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Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Published on: March 22, 2022
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Pathology Residents as Testing Personnel in the Hematology Laboratory
Claudiu V Cotta1, Sarah L Ondrejka1, Megan O Nakashima1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, R.J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|October 7, 2021
Summary
Developing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for pathology residents to independently release noncritical results improved laboratory workflow without impacting turnaround times. This initiative benefited residents, faculty, and laboratory operations, offering a model for other training programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Laboratory Medicine
- Pathology Training
Background:
- Clinical laboratories operate under strict regulatory compliance.
- Developing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for pathology residents requires addressing these regulations.
- Regulatory bodies like the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) set personnel and testing standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop EPAs for peripheral blood and body fluid review for pathology residents.
- To ensure EPA development complies with CLIA and CAP requirements.
- To evaluate the impact of EPA implementation on a busy hematology laboratory's workflow.
Main Methods:
- A training program was implemented to prepare residents for independent testing under CLIA.
- Residents completed lectures, microscopy sessions, quizzes, and a competency exam.
- Workflow metrics (test volume, turnaround time) and satisfaction surveys were used before and after EPA integration.
Main Results:
- Empowering residents to release noncritical results did not adversely affect test turnaround times.
- Resident involvement led to a reduction in attending pathologist reviews.
- Both faculty and residents reported positive impacts on service and education.
Conclusions:
- Implementing EPAs positively affected the laboratory, trainees, and faculty.
- This approach enhanced efficiency and training in a regulated environment.
- The experience provides a valuable framework for other residency programs adopting EPAs.
