Comprehensive assessment of cytologist workplace needs and evolving professional landscape

The cytology profession is experiencing a period of evolution marked by both workforce challenges and opportunities with new emerging roles and rapid integration of new technologies. The goal of this study was to comprehensively assess the current state of and trends in the cytotechnology practice to identify potential challenges for cytologists and areas of improvement.

An online survey with 7 demographic-based questions and 14 questions assessing a range of practice patterns, evolving roles, and attitudes towards these shifts was developed by members of the American Society of Cytopathology Clinical Practice Committee and distributed to cytologists. Data were collected via SurveyMonkey which was later collated and analyzed.

A total of 215 cytologists/cytologist supervisors participated with about half in practice for more than 20 years, from academic centers, and in practices with 5 or more cytologists. Most (85.5%) had experienced workforce shortages which had impacted their work. For most their responsibilities expanded beyond cytology slide review, with approximately three-quarters performing rapid on-site evaluation and/or quality control procedures. Roughly half of respondents were enthusiastic about how artificial intelligence and digital cytology could impact their practice. Most (64%) noted good/great overall job satisfaction; however, better compensation for their work, professional and career advancement opportunities, adequate staffing for workload, and more complex responsibilities were cited as factors that would most improve their job satisfaction.

The results offer valuable insights and help find targetable areas for improvement including enhancing job satisfaction, retention, improving team dynamics, optimizing laboratory operations, and boosting targeted professional development.