Improving Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality in the 21st Century—Competencies Required of Future Medical Laboratory Science Practitioners

Susan Morris; Catherine N. Otto; Karen Golemboski

doi:10.29074/ascls.26.4.200

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.

Susan Morris, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM⇑
1. St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, Twin Falls, ID
Catherine N. Otto, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CMSH(ASCP)^CM DLM(ASCP)^CM
1. Salisbury University, Medical Laboratory Science Program, Salisbury, MD
Karen Golemboski, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM
1. Bellarmine University, Medical Laboratory Science Department, Louisville KY

Address for Correspondence: Susan Morris, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM, St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Rd, Twin Falls, ID, 208-814-1095, susanm{at}slhs.org

Describe the IOM competencies practitioners need in order to deliver quality healthcare.
Identify methods to integrate evidence-based medicine for improving healthcare safety into the MLS curricula.
Describe exercises to employ in MLS curricula to develop problem-solving skills required for participation in quality improvement projects.
Identify key aspects of delivering patient-centered care to include in MLS curricula.

Abstract

Healthcare quality has yet to meet the aims of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) with respect to safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, efficiency, timeliness and equity. No professional curricula adequately prepare future healthcare practitioners—including medical laboratory science professionals—with all competencies necessary to deliver quality healthcare. Practicing evidence-based medicine, focusing on quality improvement, using information technology, delivering patient-centered care and working as part of interdisciplinary teams are identified by the IOM as the five core competencies that every healthcare practitioner needs to effectively provide healthcare. Medical laboratory science educators need to incorporate patient safety concepts into the curricula and include assignments to develop the IOM competencies in order to adequately prepare future practitioners to effectively practice medical laboratory science in the healthcare system of the 21^st century.

ABBREVIATIONS: IOM - Institute of Medicine, MLS - Medical Laboratory Science/Scientist, MLT - Medical Laboratory Technician, NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, POC - Point of Care, RN - Registered Nurse