Authentic Pathology Specimen Reception: A Valuable Resource for Developing Biomedical Science Student Competencies and Employability

Hussain, Tahmina; Namvar, Sara; Jones, Matthew

Abstract

The pathology specimen reception is fundamental to the services provided by Biomedical Science laboratories worldwide. To ensure patient safety and sample quality control, prospective Biomedical Scientists should have a robust knowledge of the processes involved and the acceptance criteria of the pathology specimen reception. Employers have highlighted this knowledge as a skills gap in Biomedical Science graduates, which needs addressing within higher education. This study aimed to design a practical session simulating key processes of the pathology specimen reception and evaluate the development of transferable skills required for post-graduate employment.
The simulation-based practical session was designed based on industrial requirements and knowledge of student skill sets. Participant demographics and career interests were acquired through open-answer questions. Quantitative student feedback was acquired utilising 5-point Likert scale questionnaires.
The practical session provided students with a positive learning experience with 98.7% of participants enjoying the session, with 87.0% stating they learned a lot completing the session. Participants preferred this learning style to didactic lectures with 97.4% stating they would prefer simulated employment scenarios embedded into the curriculum more often. Most participants found this session helpful in developing key transferrable skills including teamwork (96.1%), communication (85.7%), and confidence (94.8%). Stratification based on demographic data found participants from non-traditional university entry backgrounds had a more positive experience (P=0.0057) and enhanced transferable skill development (P=0.033) than those from traditional backgrounds.
This study highlights this simulation-based practical session as a tool to develop core Biomedical Science knowledge, build student graduate capital, and ensure preparedness for post-graduation employment.

Citation

Hussain, T., Namvar, S., & Jones, M. (2024, June). Authentic Pathology Specimen Reception: A Valuable Resource for Developing Biomedical Science Student Competencies and Employability. Poster presented at Horizons in STEM Education 2024, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Horizons in STEM Education 2024
• Conference Location: University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
• Start Date: Jun 26, 2024
• End Date: Jun 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 9, 2024
• Publisher URL: https://ukstemconference.com/2024-conference-programme/