Research article: Using Simulation to Introduce Students to a Medical Laboratory Information System
John Jimenez, Tamera Alpaugh
Abstract
Purpose: The incorporation of simulation-based learning activities is not a new concept in the field of medical laboratory science. Studies have shown that simulation experiences incorporated into academic curricula provide students with a safe learning environment while developing their skills and boosting self-confidence. Currently, no studies are available in the literature related to exposure to or experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for Medical Laboratory Science students during their program coursework. This study focused on using an LIS to supplement the education of Medical Laboratory Science students at a large public university in the United States.
Materials & Methods: The LIS simulation activity was integrated into the students’ hematology laboratory course during two separate sessions. The first part of the activity served as an introduction to the purpose and function of the LIS in the clinical laboratory. The second part focused on result entry and manual review of the hematology instrument into the LIS. To assess the effectiveness of the simulation activity, student responses from pre- and post-activity surveys were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and thematic analysis.
Results: The results obtained from the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant improvement in students' understanding of LIS functionality after completing part 1 of the activity. Results also indicated that students' understanding of how diagnostic tests are ordered in the laboratory significantly improved. Student responses were overwhelmingly positive when asked if students were looking forward to using this LIS for future laboratory courses.
Conclusion: The LIS simulation activity effectively introduced students to the purpose and functionality of an LIS in the clinical laboratory. Future recommendations for research include incorporating additional simulation-based learning experiences into the curriculum to prepare students for workforce entry upon graduation from the program.
Keywords: Simulation, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Education, Laboratory Information System (LIS), Student Experience
Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2024(13)1:15-20 【PDF】
