Advancing Medical Laboratory Practice in Pakistan: Insights from a Focus Group Study on Technologists' Training Needs

Abstract

Background: The realm of medical laboratory technology (MLT) training and education has been severely neglected in Pakistan. The primary challenges currently confronting the workforce in MLT include a lack of opportunities for career advancement, the absence of standardized curricula and assessments, and limited access to continuing education and training. Inthis study, we aimedto evaluate the 1-year medical technologist training (MTT) program at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and conduct a targeted needs assessment. Methods: As part of a qualitative study, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were held at the Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AKUH. In the absence of a validated reference tool, a team of pathologists and educationists developed questionnaires as interview guides. FGDs were transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 29 participants were engaged; theseincluded current MLT trainees (n=10), alumni (n=10), and teaching/learning coordinators andsectional supervisors (n=9). Five main themes emerged from the analysis of FGDs: (1) Recognition of key features of the MTT programme, (2) Evaluating curriculum design, (3) Teaching and learning strategies, (4) Addressing the need to improve assessment methods, and (5) Navigating the transition from a trainee to a competent technologist. Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrated its potential as a valuable needs assessment study, highlighting key strengths, drawbacks, and challenges of the existing MTT program at AKUH. Importantly, these findings can inform further research efforts to design competency-based MLT education and training programs in Pakistan.