Evaluation of the training requirements of newly qualified Health and Care Professions Council registered biomedical scientists in the field of Haematology.

Abstract

Introduction This project was done to assess current training of biomedical scientists in Haematology laboratories who require a sufficient amount of efficient training before they can be deemed competent. There are guidelines from professional and regulatory bodies to aid training and assess competence for biomedical scientists but there has also been significant NHS organisational change and these new ways of working may affect training. Aim To determine if current training is sufficient for newly qualified biomedical scientists in the Haematology laboratories. Method A Delphi study with field experts and a survey with newly qualified scientists were undertaken. Content analysis was performed on the qualitative data and agreement levels for consensus items were performed on the quantitative data for both studies. Key Findings: These studies identified that NHS organisational change has negatively affected training. Key difficulties include staffing shortages and increased workload. These studies also identified the expert consensus view of the competencies required by a biomedical scientist and how best to train these with respect to technical skill and theoretical knowledge. The studies also identified the consensus of the most relevant qualities for a biomedical scientist as well as the most efficient ways to develop them. Implications: The conclusions from this research make a contribution to laboratory practice in NHS settings and to the field of Haematology in a laboratory setting by identifying key proficiencies and qualities required by biomedical scientists as well as how to develop them .Suggestions for training practices are also noted.