Medical laboratory sciences graduates: are they satisfied at work?

Area of Science:

• Medical Laboratory Science
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing healthcare professional retention and performance.
• Understanding the factors affecting job satisfaction among medical laboratory scientists (MLS) is essential for improving the healthcare sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the overall job satisfaction of medical laboratory scientist graduates from Kuwait University.
• To investigate the relationship between job satisfaction and the work environment and organizational features in Ministry of Health hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to 105 MLS graduates (1982-2001) working in Ministry of Health hospitals.
• 85 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 80%.

Main Results:

• 56% of respondents reported overall job satisfaction, while 44% were not satisfied.
• Job satisfaction was positively associated with applying academic knowledge, conducive work conditions, collegiality, and single supervision.
• Dissatisfaction was linked to unhealthy working conditions, poor organizational practices, unsatisfactory work environments, and limited autonomy.

Conclusions:

• A significant percentage of laboratory technologists expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs and specific work aspects.
• Key factors influencing dissatisfaction include the utilization of knowledge, technical competency, work procedures, and unhealthy competition.
• Health authorities and academic institutions must address these dissatisfaction issues to improve the MLS workforce.