Nurses' Perceptions of Medical Laboratory Scientists: Mistaken Identity and Misplaced Regard

The medical laboratory science (MLS) profession is an integral part of the healthcare team, providing diagnostic laboratory results used to determine directives in the treatment and management of disease processes. There is a scarcity of literature describing other healthcare professionals' perceptions of medical laboratory scientists. Research also suggests MLS professionals feel unrecognized for contributions to patient care.

A pilot study to describe intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' perceptions of medical laboratory scientists and their role in healthcare.

Five ICU nurses were interviewed using open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using phenomenological research inquiry to develop themes.

Four themes were identified: professional practice, visibility, professional entry, and interprofessional learning.

While participants were aware of the medical laboratory, they were unaware of the scope of practice, educational requirements, and professional credentials of medical laboratory scientists. Findings also showed misconceptions of the MLS scope of practice that overlaps with phlebotomists and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs).

This study found that the intensive care nurse participants demonstrated an overall positive perception of medical laboratory scientists but a low level of knowledge of the MLS profession and expertise. Implications for interdisciplinary education to create a more comprehensive healthcare delivery team were presented.