Developing an interactive and illustrative laboratory management curriculum for cytopathology trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cytopathology
• Laboratory Management

Background:

• Laboratory management is a critical yet often overlooked area in cytopathology training.
• Recent surveys indicate a knowledge gap in laboratory management among new pathologists.
• Existing resources are fragmented across the internet, hindering accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an educational module that bridges the gap in laboratory management knowledge for cytopathology trainees.
• To consolidate scattered online resources into a cohesive and accessible learning platform.
• To provide a foundational understanding of laboratory management principles for practicing cytopathologists.

Main Methods:

• An educational module was created with a pretest to assess baseline knowledge.
• Content is organized into a clickable tree of subject headings covering essential laboratory management topics.
• Each topic includes summarized information, tables, visual diagrams, and hyperlinks to external resources.
• A posttest is incorporated for immediate feedback on trainee comprehension.

Main Results:

• The module offers a structured approach to learning laboratory management concepts.
• It integrates various online resources into a single, navigable platform.
• Provides immediate feedback through pre- and post-tests to gauge learning progress.

Conclusions:

• This educational module serves as a valuable stepping stone for cytopathology fellows to build a strong foundation in laboratory management.
• It aims to guide trainees in developing sound laboratory management practices.
• The module enhances the accessibility and integration of crucial training information.