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Medical Laboratory Testing Personnel: Perception of Professional Status and Engagement in Professional Development and Career Advocacy

O'Connell-Spalla, Joan
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2117-4152
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1627410209680141

Abstract Details

2021, Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership), Youngstown State University, Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies.
The shortage of Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLP) has been an ongoing problem for over a decade, primarily due to areas of discontent of MLP. Initiatives to improve these problematic areas of discontent have been and continue to be important to the field of medical laboratory science in regard to recruiting and retaining these essential professionals. Previous research has uncovered significant factors associated with discontent including; salary levels, lack of advancement, public awareness and esteem. This study explores the issues of awareness, respect, and recognition of the MLP within the context of the healthcare community, the impact on professional status among other healthcare professionals and the association with career satisfaction and professional engagement. This longitudinal survey presents data from samples of laboratory professionals collected both prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (n= 371) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (n=380). Results of the current study indicate that more than half of respondents do not feel respected by other healthcare professionals and more than 90% indicated that other healthcare professionals do not understand the educational requirements and level of responsibility of the MLP. Additional analysis reveals that perceived lack of respect and understanding by members of other healthcare professions have a statistically significant impact on the career satisfaction of MLP. The current study highlights the need to address awareness, respect, and understanding of the valuable contribution of the MLP, specifically, among other healthcare professionals. The implication of creating change related to respect, recognition, and awareness within the healthcare community is discussed as a means of developing positive professional identity and status and improving recruitment and retention of vital medical laboratory professionals.
Karen Larwin, PhD (Advisor)
Kelly Colwell, EdD (Committee Member)
Maria Delost, PhD (Committee Member)
Patrick Spearman, PhD (Committee Member)
100 p.
Health; Health Care; Medicine; Pathology
Medical Laboratory Professional; COVID19; Coronavirus; Healthcare professionals

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • O'Connell-Spalla, J. (2021). Medical Laboratory Testing Personnel: Perception of Professional Status and Engagement in Professional Development and Career Advocacy [Doctoral dissertation, Youngstown State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1627410209680141

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • O'Connell-Spalla, Joan. Medical Laboratory Testing Personnel: Perception of Professional Status and Engagement in Professional Development and Career Advocacy . 2021. Youngstown State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1627410209680141.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • O'Connell-Spalla, Joan. "Medical Laboratory Testing Personnel: Perception of Professional Status and Engagement in Professional Development and Career Advocacy ." Doctoral dissertation, Youngstown State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1627410209680141

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ysu1627410209680141
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© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Youngstown State University and OhioLINK.