The Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science: A View of the Process of Integration into Healthcare

Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach

doi:10.29074/ascls.20.2.69

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Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach⇑
1. is chair and associate professor in the Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA

Address for correspondence: Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach EdD MS CLS MT SBB, chair and associate professor, Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies, EC 2437 Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA 30912-0500. (706) 721-3046, (706) 721-7631 (fax). ekenimer{at}mcg.edu.

Extract

Many evolutionary environmental elements are converging to create the window of opportunity that is the doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS). A possible grouping of elements defining our present healthcare environment vis-à-vis the DCLS can be comprised of (1) rapid technological expansion within the clinical laboratory,¹ (2) the current complex regulatory and financial environment for healthcare delivery,¹ and (3) emergence of an “advanced practice” or “advanced degree” construct in many professions.^2,3 The presence of these environmental elements impacts not only the implementation of DCLS programs but the practitioner as well.

THE DCLS AND RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES With rapid technological advances, the impact of laboratory information happens in “real time”. There is a vastly decreased “information gap” between the medical order and receipt of actionable information. Sophistication in technology coupled with standardization of data transfer protocols and databasing/data-mining capabilities has created a global market for our services and information as well as the possibility of off-site service delivery.

One unique aspect of DCLS practice is defined by the development and utilization of evidence-based practice. On a patient by patient basis, the DCLS will be involved in the development and interpretation of practice guidelines and the collection and utilization of outcomes data. On a daily basis, the DCLS will establish relationships with other healthcare providers and redefine existing relationships of these providers with CLS and clinical pathology.

In today's educational market, most programs are Internet-based to some extent, thus capitalizing on robust course management software and delivery systems commonly available. With the…

ABBREVIATIONS: DCLS = doctorate in clinical laboratory science; PDRF = Professional Doctorate Task Force.