Background/Case Studies: A blood center implemented roundtable listening forums between blood bank leadership and laboratory technologists in order to communicate educational learning requests through open collaboration and employee engagement. The technologists requested to have increased access to educational resources as a high priority during forums. After conducting an anonymous survey to solicit feedback from staff, it was established a need for an assembly of an educational committee (EC) comprised of technologists to draft and provide quality, intentional educational session (ES) and relevant educational material (EM).
Study
Design/Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed via email to laboratory staff through an external survey platform. The survey was comprised of 7 questions to assess individual opinions on educational offerings. Survey questions on ES included duration, frequency, format (pre-recorded, live ES, online) workload coverage during sessions, and topics of interest. A request to gauge volunteer interest in educational membership was included.
Results/Findings: The survey was submitted to a total of 93 employees, and reviewed by EC. A total of 43% of employees responded; 52.5% preferred monthly ES, 42.5% preferred 30 minute ES. Delivery format responses included 60% Case Studies, 55% Live Study Sessions, and 52.5% Slide Presentation. 30% responded to volunteer for the EC. 72.9% were willing to help assist for others attending ES. 92.5% wanted sessions to occur during work hours. 35% answered a free response comments question which included specific topics of interest, requests to provide allotted time for sessions, and ensuring access to all shifts. Volunteers were chosen for the EC based on participation interest and availability. Conclusions: The EC developed and maintained an intentional and relevant digital library of EM based on the survey, coordinated ES activities and schedule. An EC presentation introduced the members, mission statement and goals and provided contact information (email distribution list) to all laboratory staff. Biweekly meetings were established to address needs and concerns, while exploring alternate instant contact means. Discussions included ES topics, creation of EM, and applications to apply continuing education credits (CEU) for participants. Currently, 19 external educational websites/CEU opportunities, 4 in-house presentations, 1 CEU quiz, and 21 journal articles have been uploaded. ES or EM additions are accompanied by an email notification and direct links for ease of accessibility of EM specifically designed for clinical laboratory scientists. The creation of the EC has proven to be efficient in coordinating and delivering EM among team members.
Importance of research: Important for intentional development of relevant educational materials for medical technologists, drafted by laboratorians, for target audience of laboratorians in a regional blood center.
