Competency assessment in laboratory medicine: Standardization and utility for technical staff assessment and recertification in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: The assessment of technical staff members’ competency has been a challenge for laboratory workers, to ensure patient safety and high quality services. The aim of this study was to (1) investigate awareness on best ways to assess lab competencies; (2) identify existing institutional methods of competency assessment and how staff perceptions; and (3) gather opinions of respondents about a proposed program for competency assessment in laboratory medicine.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, followed by an interview and discussion with laboratory stakeholders about a proposed competency assessment program that included all the six procedural elements of laboratory personnel competency assessment. An online questionnaire was sent via email to different hospitals in Saudi Arabia through survey monkey. A proposed competency assessment program was circulated via email to laboratory stakeholders who agreed to be enrolled in structured interviews.

Results: A total of 47 out of the 168 (25.3%) laboratory workers responded to the emailed survey administered via survey monkey. Among the survey respondents, 16 out of the 47 (34%) participated in the structured interview and the discussion and formed the community of practice group that provided insight and opinion about the proposed competency program. Among stakeholders, 87.2% practiced in accredited laboratories. Over half (52%) of respondents positively rated the proposed program. Results of interviews and discussions revealed suggestions about continuous ongoing assessment, such as the inclusion of laboratory quality management and safety as separate items to be unified for all sections.

Conclusions: The proposed competency assessment program overcomes challenges noted in competency assessment and has been positively received by stakeholders. This program will be validated by a group of experts then implemented as part of a core curriculum for laboratory staff, in their assessment, certification, recertification, registration, evaluation and licensure in sample laboratories in Saudi Arabia. The program will be monitored and evaluated during and after implementation for processes and outcomes. Conclusions will be utilized for national competency program. This study represents an important step towards the implementation of a standardized laboratory competence assessment program at a national level.

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the efforts of all participants and the CPLSG members.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no declarations of interest to report.

Funding

The publication of this supplement has been made possible with the generous financial support of the Dr Hamza Alkholi Chair for Developing Medical Education in KSA.

Notes on contributors

Dalal Mohiddeen Nemenqani, MD, FRCPATH, FIAC, KSUFP, IFCAP, is Associate Professor of Pathology and Vice Dean, College of Medicine, Taif University. Dr. Nemenqani conceptualized and designed the study, acquired and interpreted the data, drafted the initial manuscript, revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript.

Ara Tekian, PhD, MHPE, is Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. Dr. Tekian contributed to the conceptualization and revision of the manuscript.

Yoon Soo Park, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. Dr. Park contributed to the conceptualization and revision of the manuscript.