Thesis (D.Tech) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2006 / Since 2002 all medical technologists and technicians have been obliged to participate in the compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) programme implemented by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It was foreseen that CPD would not be equally accessible to medical technologists and technicians in urban and rural areas. The reason for this survey was to identify obstacles that might prevent medical technologists and technicians, especially those in rural areas from participating in CPD activities and to identify ways to overcome these obstacles. The survey was conducted in three phases. During the first phase quantitative information, concerning the profession of medical technology in South Africa, and CPD in general was obtained from registered medical technologists and technicians by means of a questionnaire. Information obtained from the questionnaire as well as that obtained from the literature led to the second phase in which an interview questionnaire was compiled. Structured interviews were conducted with medical technologists and technicians employed throughout South Africa, gathering mainly qualitative information regarding medical technology and CPD. Lack of time and financial constraints and to a lesser extent travelling were identified as the major obstacles to participating in CPD activities. The obstacles were an even bigger problem to those employed in rural areas. It was also confirmed that everybody involved in medical technology should be positively motivated to create and participate in CPD activities. A method suggested was to practise CPD activities during working hours which is cost effective but restricted, because of the workload. In addition medical technologists and technicians should participate in activities offered by the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) and attempt formal further qualifications. Being involved in research projects and identifying case studies could result in publishing in accredited journals. During the third phase of the survey a concept CPD framework was compiled. According to the framework all role players involved in the profession of medical technology must collaborate and contribute to making CPD activities accessible to all registered medical technologists and technicians and create a positive attitude to CPD. The role players include the HPCSA, employers and top management, the SMLTSA, medical companies, other health professionals, higher education institutions and the individual. It must be emphasised that the task of collecting CPD credits remains the responsibility of the medical technologist or medical technician. The framework offered suggestions for CPD activities whereby medical technologists and technicians could accumulate CPD credits. One major concern indicated in the framework, was that CPD should not only be measured by CPD credits but the outcomes of CPD should be reflected in the profession and the workplace and a system must be implemented to measure CPD outcomes. The CPD framework was evaluated by a panel of experts familiar with the profession of medical technology and the CPD programme, using the Delphi technique. This final CPD framework will be referred to the HPCSA for implementation in all South African pathology laboratories and the blood transfusion services. The aim of the framework is to assist the CPD guidelines currently under revision in establishing a usable CPD programme.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-114). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Dalhousie University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Published Article / A concept CPD framework, to be implemented by medical technology workers, was compiled and needed to be evaluated by professionals. The aim of this survey was therefore to use the Delphi technique as a research tool to evaluate the concept CPD framework by a widely distributed group of medical technology workers. The Delphi technique is a research tool organizing group communication in gaining consensus among a panel of experts. A monitoring team co-ordinated and evaluated the Delphi process in response to the feedback received by a panel of experts. Panellists are selected for their contribution to the topic under investigation. They do not normally interact with one another during the Delphi rounds. Fifteen panellists, distributed throughout South Africa, participated. The panellists were knowledgeable about medical technology and CPD. During the three Delphi rounds, statements were added, moderated, rephrased and rated. This resulted in a final CPD framework that consisted of 71 statements, completed within the three months scheduled time frame with a very high percentage co-operation of the panellists. The Delphi technique was an ideal tool for evaluating the concept CPD framework among a widely distributed group of medical technology workers.

No description available.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Master of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science Degree, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background Medical laboratories play a crucial role in patient care and require a competent skilled workforce to deliver this essential service. The current process of Medical Technologist training is a summative assessment consisting of two written 3 hour papers that correlates theoretical knowledge acquired at a tertiary level with the practical internship. Currently there is no assessment of technical competence of Intern Medical Technologists (candidates) by the HPCSA. Aim: This study aims to determine how technical competence was assessed for Intern Medical Technologists who are eligible to write the National Board Examination in the Clinical Pathology discipline. Methods: A quantitative design was used for assessing the technical competence of the candidates that were eligible to write the National Board Examination by using an adapted SANAS witnessing tool across ten Clinical Pathology test procedures by direct observation as well as to determine how technical competence is assessed in HPCSA registered training laboratories using a survey administered to Laboratory managers and trainers. The data was collected and analysed using the statistical software SPSS version 24.0. Results Some candidates that were directly observed in each of the Clinical Pathology test procedures were deemed not yet competent in compliance and adherence to SOP’s, acceptability of results, internal quality control procedures and the acceptability of the outcome and availability of signed training and competency records on the direct observation checklist. These results of the assessment of technical competence were compared to the results of the National Board examination that candidates wrote and there was no correlation between the two except for the Microbiology sub-discipline and the general section. Results of operations of competency assessment in 9 HPCSA registered Training Laboratories revealed that 100% of respondents have a technical competence laboratory policy, 90% identified the Laboratory Manager as having responsibility for ensuring assessment of staff competency, 100% stated that frequency of competency testing was upon initial employment and once in two years thereafter, 90% had clear criteria to define competency assessment and 100% indicated that the remedial process used in their laboratories was documented corrective action which included re-training and re-assessment. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that assessment of technical competency for Intern Medical Technologists in the Clinical Pathology could augment current assessment systems of Intern Medical Technologists for conferment of professional designation and a policy review is recommended. / M

Dissertation submitted in compliance with the Master's Diploma in Technology: Medical Technology, Technikon Natal, 1994. / The arena with the for medical technologists result that educational is continually changing directive must change accordingly. A number of big issues have changed the role of the medical technologist. Cognisance of the identified issues is essential if the profession is to survive the year 2000. The future directions of medical technology ar~ analysed in this disseration in order to identify the knowledge and skills that the professional medical technologist will require for the 21st century. The factors which have up to now introduced dramatic changes in clinical pathology laboratories will also present certain opoortunities for laboratory professionals but taking cognisance of the necessity for change and professional ability. This study was thus conducted to explore the educational requirements necessary for the professional future of medical Africa. laboratory technologists in the Republic of South !'.C.,' . A t~eoretical sub-structure lays the foundation for the study. The literature review in Chapter 2 outlines medical technology eduction both in the Republic of South Africa and in certain other countries. The necessity for change in the education of medical laboratory technologists is addressed here. Chapter 3 examines the factors (gleaned from the literature) which are producing a need for such dramatic change for the century ahead. It also examines the role of the technikons and the roles of the technikons with regard to the training of medical technologists and the influence of academic drift. The methodology in Chapter 4 explains the structuring and administration of a questionnaire used to capture data from registered medical laboratory technologists in the Republic of South Africa. The processed data results are discussed in Chapter 5. Tables are presented at the conclusion of certain groups of major issues. Chapter 6 concludes with the findings / M

No description available.

Seventeen students' professional year performance variables were employed to predict their scores on the MT-ASCP certification examination. The purpose of the study was designed to address three principal questions: 1. What is relationship, if any, between students' theory section and combined grades in key subjects (blood bank, hematology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry) and analogous sub-scores on the MT-ASCP examination? 2. What is the relationship, if any, between the seventeen predictor variables and MT-ASCP total scores? and 3. Which of the seventeen predictor variables, individually or in combination, best predict MT-ASCP total scores at the different academic decision points? The sample consisted of 1985-1987 (N=103) and 1988-1991 (N=147) graduates from the six hospital-based medical technology programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data required for analysis were taken from the graduates' academic records at the six institutions. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and stepwise regression analyses were used to test eight hypotheses, with results generally as follows: With the exception of numerical grades in hematology in 1985-1987, there were statistically significant relationships (p<.05) between the four major MT courses and MT-ASCP subsection scores. All seventeen independent variables were statistically (p<.05) correlated with 1985- 1991 MT-ASCP total scores, regardless of the method of reporting the scores. Four significant (p<.05) multiple linear regression equations were computed between the MT-ASCP total scores and the seventeen predictors included in the study at different critical points during professional year education for 1985-1987 and 1988-1991 graduates. About 50% of the total variance in the 1988-1991 MT-ASCP scaled scores was accounted for by three of the 17 potential professional year predictor variables. The addition of three preprofessional and personal predictors extended the variance explained to 61%. The research warranted the conclusion that the MT-ASCP examination validly reflects the content and laboratory methods offered in the hospital-based professional training Programs in the sample of Virginia institutions. / Ph. D.