Hi everyone

I am currently providing some input into a new training manual which is being prepared for the blood transfusion laboratory. Basically this manual involves lots of theory questions and then the assessment of the individuals ability to perform a task and achieve a level of competency suitable to working unsupervised during the out of hours service. I would be interested to know how other laboratories achieve such an aim, in terms of what methods are used to demonstrate a persons competency...ie witness statements, reflective learning statements . My thinking is that instead of lots of theory questions, to produce worksheets such as identification of blood groups from serological reactions etc Basically I am looking for interesting ways to provide documentary evidence of an individuals knowledge, but which is also achievable within a busy laboratory environment.

Grateful for any thoughts

Thanks

assuming all of your employees in the BB have gone through a documented training period....

I use several different methods for annual competency:

Direct observation - each year it's different. This year with a new LIS it is ordering and issuing emergency uncrossmatched O neg units, which is a different function than XM units.

I use a competency "quiz" for problem solving exercises.

I assign CAP or other (ARC) on line competency exercises.

I include PT testing results and also count day to day activity of my specimen work review.

Hope that helps.

Liz

I do pretty much what Liz does.

I made up a few custom courses (tests) on the CAP website to assess my techs' ability to catch errors.  I made up several specimens that should be rejected, took pictures of them, and uploaded them to the website.  I was able to make up questions about them:  What is appropriate to do with this specimen? A) Accept it B)Allow the collector to fix the missing info C)Reject it... I did the same with tagged units of blood, asking if they were acceptable to issue and if not, why not.  My techs say that it is a difficult test, but I think it is a good way to illustrate how important it is to pay attention to the details.

I have used "real life" examples, blinded so that no one can look up a patient in the computer system.  I had several generalists on all shifts and some dedicated Blood Bankers too.   I tried to pick examples that would help them enhance their knowledge base and give them some hints on how to handle unusual scenarios that they may encounter on their shift.

 

Since you are using lots of theory questions I would suggest staying away from the all of the above/none of the above answers.  Remember these are bench techs that need a good solid knowledge base to help them provide good, safe patient care.

 

I have copied panels on patients and removed the names and said, here are the results what do you do next.  In my management days I did exactly like Liz.  I have also made them go back to the procedure manual and tell me where to find something.  We always had problems with how to report DAT when poly is pos, what test to do next, why or why not?

 

And don't forget to throw in a safety question just for variety

And it's a good idea to throw in some quality issues.