Building a laboratory workforce to meet the future: ASCP Task Force on the Laboratory Professionals Workforce

Area of Science:

• Medical Laboratory Science
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Projected increase in demand for medical laboratory services due to demographic shifts and healthcare reform.
• The Affordable Care Act expands insurance coverage, potentially increasing utilization of diagnostic services.
• Aging population contributes to higher demand for healthcare and laboratory testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the future demand for medical laboratory services.
• To assess the current state of the medical laboratory workforce.
• To examine factors influencing workforce development in response to predicted demand.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of publications and databases.
• Analysis of population demographics and health reform impacts.
• Evaluation of workforce development strategies.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive strategy, 'Building a Laboratory Workforce to Meet the Future,' has been developed.
• The report addresses future workforce needs for timely, accurate, and safe patient care.
• Personalized medicine benefits are highlighted in relation to laboratory services.

Conclusions:

• The report identifies factors affecting recruitment and retention of laboratory professionals.
• Recommendations are provided to enhance the pipeline of candidates for laboratory professions.
• A multifaceted approach is proposed to strengthen healthcare leadership in laboratory science.