BOTSWANA, Aug. 18, 2014 – Laboratory professionals are expected to maintain their knowledge on the most recent advances in laboratory testing, and continuing professional development (CPD) programs can address this expectation. In developing countries, accessing CPD programs is a major challenge for laboratory personnel, partly due to their limited availability.

An assessment was conducted among clinical laboratory workforce in Botswana to identify and prioritize CPD training needs as well as preferred modes of CPD delivery.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to medical laboratory scientists and technicians registered with the Botswana Health Professions Council.

Questions were organized into domains of competency related to:

1.  quality management systems

2. technical competence

3. laboratory management, leadership and coaching

4. pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research.

Participants were asked to rank their self-perceived training needs using a three-point scale in order of importance (most, moderate, and least). Furthermore, participants were asked to select any three preferences for delivery formats for the CPD.

Results: Out of 350 questionnaires that were distributed, 275 were completed and returned giving an overall response rate of 79 percent.

The top three preferred CPD delivery modes, in rank order, were training workshops, hands-on workshops, and Internet-based learning. Journal clubs at the workplace was the least preferred method of delivery of CPD credits.

Conclusions: CPD programs to be developed should focus on topics that address quality management systems, case studies, competence assessment, and customer care.