Description: As healthcare professionals, we are often required to adapt to challenging scenarios. Patients on the autistic spectrum, those with Down syndrome, and those suffering from dementia require our compassion and experience to ensure successful blood collection. Our approach with this patient audience at LifeLabs has resulted in excellent experiences for both patients and phlebotomists, and we would like to share our knowledge with you. We will explore useful methods and specialized approaches for these patients who need additional support during blood collection. We will also discuss how to create a supportive, stress-free environment by using both verbal and visual cues to encourage cooperation, communication, assure safety, and improve patient-centered care.

Start date: Upon registration

Completion: Up to 52 weeks

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

• Identify challenges for patients with Autism, Down Syndrome and Dementia
• Discover strategies to reduce those challenges, gain rapport, provide support and enhance the patient experience
• Build confidence in blood collection when servicing this patient audience

Speakers: Pritesh Patel, Dipali Pancholi and Claudia Ho

Pritesh Patel, a skilled microbiologist, graduated in 1999 in India and swiftly secured a job in a pathologic laboratory. There, he not only delved into the realm of microbiology but also learned the art of phlebotomy. In 2005, he moved to Canada, where he pursued recertification through the reputable Robotech Institute, expanding his expertise further. Venturing into clinical research, Pritesh gained invaluable experience, obtaining certifications in catheter and IV procedures. For the past three years, he has been a dedicated Mobile Lab Patient Technician at Lifelabs, diligently serving patients with his vast knowledge and compassionate care, leaving a lasting positive impact on their healthcare journeys.

Dipali Pancholi is a Laboratory Technician at LifeLabs with over 15 years of experience. She approaches her patients with a client-centric approach focusing on providing comfort and safety with her services. At LifeLabs she has worked in Patient Service Centers, Nursing Homes, and on the road as part of the HomeCare and MyVisit teams. She was part of the team that helped to launch MyVisit in Ontario. She also worked as a supervisor for the COVID-19 testing program at the Pearson International Airport while also serving in many other projects related to COVID-19.

Claudia Ho has been in LifeLabs for six years with four years as a Lab Patient Technician and a Supervisor for two. She delivers care by listening and adapting to patients' needs and providing support to her patients. She also contributed in the Ministry of Health COVID Assessment Centers with LifeLabs to provide COVID testing for the community.

Recorded: October 14, 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.