Finnish cytotechnologists' views on the competencies of newly graduated biomedical scientists in clinical cytology |
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| Authors: | E Liikanen |
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| Affiliation: | Biomedical Laboratory Science, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland |
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| Abstract: | Objective This study asked 40 cytotechnologists for their views on the competencies of newly graduated biomedical scientists in clinical cytology during the national conference of the Finnish Association of Cytotechnologists in November 2015. Methods The questionnaire mainly consisted of statements that were scored on a five‐point Likert‐scale, where 1 was not important and 5 was very important. It covered five sections of clinical cytology: sampling and techniques, gynaecological screening, non‐gynaecological screening, safety and quality management, and miscellaneous. Results Of the 40 delegates approached to complete the questionnaire, 37 (92.5%) agreed. Respondents felt that important sampling and technique competencies were specimen fixation, with a mean score of 4.9 out of 5.0, types of specimens (4.7), Papanicolaou smear collection (4.7), Papanicolaou smear request information (4.7) and evaluation of specimen sufficiency (4.6). Less important competencies were examining FNAs (2.0) and nasopharyngeal specimens (2.2). The respondents had many expectations about how education in cytology could be developed, for example more theoretical lessons, more practice in microscope use, and consistent criteria for training and cooperation between cytology laboratories and universities of applied sciences. Conclusions The cytotechnologists who took part in our survey expected newly graduated biomedical scientists to have basic competencies in cytology. These were sampling and techniques, laboratory safety and quality management, specimen adequacy and identifying normal cells taken during gynaecological screening. They were also keen to develop education in cytology. |
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| Keywords: | biomedical scientist competency cytology cytotechnologist education training |
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