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Preservice laboratory education strengthening enhances sustainable laboratory workforce in Ethiopia

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dc.contributor.author Peter N Fonjungo
dc.contributor.author Yenew Kebede
dc.contributor.author Wendy Arneson et.al
dc.date.accessioned 2020-11-30T15:01:39Z
dc.date.available 2020-11-30T15:01:39Z
dc.date.issued 2013
dc.identifier.uri http://10.140.5.162//handle/123456789/754
dc.description.abstract Background: There is a severe healthcare workforce shortage in sub Saharan Africa, which threatens achieving the Millennium Development Goals and attaining an AIDS-free generation. The strength of a healthcare system depends on the skills, competencies, values and availability of its workforce. A well-trained and competent laboratory technologist ensures accurate and reliable results for use in prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases. Methods: An assessment of existing preservice education of five medical laboratory schools, followed by remedial intervention and monitoring was conducted. The remedial interventions included 1) standardizing curriculum and implementation; 2) training faculty staff on pedagogical methods and quality management systems; 3) providing teaching materials; and 4) procuring equipment for teaching laboratories to provide practical skills to complement didactic education. Results: A total of 2,230 undergraduate students from the five universities benefitted from the standardized curriculum. University of Gondar accounted for 252 of 2,230 (11.3%) of the students, Addis Ababa University for 663 (29.7%), Jimma University for 649 (29.1%), Haramaya University for 429 (19.2%) and Hawassa University for 237 (10.6%) of the students. Together the universities graduated 388 and 312 laboratory technologists in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic year, respectively. Practical hands-on training and experience with well-equipped laboratories enhanced and ensured skilled, confident and competent laboratory technologists upon graduation. Conclusions: Strengthening preservice laboratory education is feasible in resource-limited settings, and emphasizing its merits (ample local capacity, country ownership and sustainability) provides a valuable source of competent laboratory technologists to relieve an overstretched healthcare system. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.subject Preservice education en_US
dc.subject PEPFAR en_US
dc.subject Curriculum en_US
dc.subject Standardization en_US
dc.subject Laboratory workforce strengthening en_US
dc.subject Training en_US
dc.subject Sustainability en_US
dc.title Preservice laboratory education strengthening enhances sustainable laboratory workforce in Ethiopia en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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