Журнал бактериологии и паразитологии

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Irish Medical Laboratory Professionals and COVID-19: Response, Effect and Reflection on Future Practice

James A. O’Connor, Brigid Lucey*

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on society and health worldwide. Medical laboratory professionals are to the fore in diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of COVID-19 patients. This survey examined the effect of COVID-19 on these scientists, also asking respondents to identify areas needing improvement. A voluntary, anonymous online survey was completed by 272 medical laboratory professionals in Ireland in May 2020. The respondents reflected all ages, grades, and disciplines in laboratories across Ireland and 87% of respondents reported a change to core working hours. Nearly half of respondents reported working more hours during the pandemic than before. Increasing workload complexity was reported by 70% of respondents. More than half of respondents reported increased work stress during the pandemic. Importantly, the pandemic has also resulted in improved work-based solidarity. Approximately 90% of respondents were proud of their laboratory’s response to COVID-19, although degree of pride was significantly higher among managerial staff as were feelings of being appreciated, suggesting an opportunity for further communication of praise. The study reports lessons learned thus far in the pandemic, including self-realisation of the group’s flexibility and adaptability, the necessity of collaboration and preparedness and the importance of their work. The respondents have identified challenges that need to be addressed, including lack of career progression opportunities and under-utilisation of their professional skills, paucity of public knowledge of the roles undertaken in the laboratory and remuneration disparities, combined with concerns regarding retention of newly-qualified and other staff owing to alternative career opportunities.