Description: Phlebotomy is one of the most common medical events in healthcare, yet there is very little research about how phlebotomists manage non-technical challenges, such as communication barriers, procedure refusals, or adverse events.  We held online focus groups with 12 medical laboratory assistants about their interpersonal and interactive experiences with patients and other healthcare professionals.  We performed qualitative analysis to identify themes, which revealed strategies that phlebotomists use to navigate challenges.  We also learned about their priorities for education to help them build specific capacities.  We will share our research findings, our recommendations, and some of our work to create interactive virtual-simulation experiences to help phlebotomists practice common challenging scenarios.

Start date: Upon registration

Completion: Up to 52 weeks

At the end of this webinar you will be able to:

• Describe common struggles phlebotomists face with adverse events during phlebotomy
• Appreciate the strategies used by phlebotomists to handle communication challenges during phlebotomy
• Appreciate the strategies used by phlebotomists to handle adverse events during phlebotomy

Speakers:

Amanda VanSpronsen, MLT

Lisa Purdy, MLT

Selina Diep, MLT

Rebeca Duran, MLT student

Amanda is an Associate Professor in the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at the University of Alberta.  She has two main interests: design features in online simulation that impact student learning, and how laboratory professionals can impact inappropriate laboratory test ordering.

Lisa Purdy is also an Associate Professor, and Director of the MLS program with an interest in student mental wellness and creating educational simulations to bolster clinical training.

Selina Diep and Rebeca Duran are recent graduates of the MLS program who worked on this project as research assistants, bringing creativity, enthusiasm, and insight to all aspects.

Recorded: May 27, 2023

PEP hours: 1.0

CPS credits: 0

*Note: PEP hours and/or CPS credits will only be awarded upon successful completion of the quiz.