Medical Laboratory Scientist(Medical Laboratory Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist).

An Emerging Trend in Medical Laboratory Science You Need to Know About:

Staffing Shortages and Alternatives

This is one of the most significant changes in Medical Laboratory Science today. In the Canadian context, this is particularly true among experienced medical laboratory technologist(medical laboratory scientists MLTs, Clinical Laboratory Scientists) who are considered to be experts in the field.

One contributing factor to this reality is an aging workforce, which reflects a more extensive shift in the aging Canadian population rather than an isolated phenomenon. Other factors responsible for the shortage include a lack of awareness and representation of this healthcare profession and insufficient funding for educational programs (Chrobak, 2023).

It was in 2010 that the Canadian Institute for Health Professionals recognized that just about fifty percent of employed MLTs would qualify for retirement within ten years with rural and remote communities set to have the greatest impact(CSMLS). It is now three years beyond that ten-year mark and the impact is grave. Chrobak (2023) highlighted Employment and Social Development Canada(ESDC) identification of a twenty percent gap in the number of medical laboratory technologists required for the delivery of healthcare services between 2022 and 2031. This gap was estimated using a projection model that considered population growth, the growing demand for healthcare services and the need to replace retirees.

Instruction of medical laboratory science must consider the significance of this trend and how it is being mitigated. Both hospital and community laboratories are implementing or expanding automation to address the excess demands without having to increase staff (Newton, 2023).

It is no longer sufficient to focus on theoritical component of knowledge. Learners must be able to navigate the application of knowledge in automation once they begin professional practice. This mean incorporation of automation in the learning environment through simulation where possible or creative integration of automation components in laboratory exercises used for instruction.

Additionally, it is important to include the theories behind the different technologies of automation in the didactic component of the course material. As an educator in laboratory medicine, it is important to liaison with clinical partners and adapt a collaborative approach to keep instruction relevant and current to the existing professional context. This is particulary important given the constant change in automation and emerging technologies.

References

1. Chrobak, A. (2023, September 6) Solving the Shortage of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Canada. The increased demand for testing will continue to exert pressure on existing MLT workforce in Canada.

2. Newton B.(2023, June 12). Five trends happening in the laboratory industry.

3. https://www.clinicallab.com/emerging-technologies-november-2023-27557

4. https://www.csmls.org/Research/Research-Reports/Backgrounder-The-Canadian-Medical-Laboratory-Prof.aspx