Case-Based Training on Best Practices in Effective Test Utilization for Clinical Laboratories: A Comparison of Two Educational Formats

Abstract Introduction/Objective While a survey of ASCP membership showed improvements being made in effective test utilization (ETU), there is an ongoing need for formal education on best practices. Case-based education drawn from real-world scenarios provides an opportunity to address this need, aimed at increasing the understanding of evidence- based guidelines to inform clinical test ordering and reduce overconsumption of supplies without compromising patient care. The poster presents two examples of case-based education presented in an innovative microlearning format and an eLearning format designed for clinical laboratory professionals. Methods/Case Report The activities presented 9 - 10 practical, real-world scenarios as educational cases along with assessment questions addressing a range of topics that included ETU for pancreatitis and cardiac injury, blood collection tube consumption and conservation, strategies for reducing repeat daily lab test ordering, and others. Each case was designed for learners to be able to review the content and answer the assessment questions in 5 minutes. In the microlearning activity, learners received the cases and questions via email on a scheduled frequency and completed them via mobile device. The questions were repeated up to 2 times to reinforce learning. Participants in the eLearning activity accessed the same cases and assessment questions via a different learning platform (with no staggered delivery). Results (if a Case Study enter NA) More than 2,500 learners have participated in one or both ETU activities, and feedback has been highly positive. The assessment results show proficiency gains for a range of laboratory personnel, including laboratory managers/supervisors, histotechnologists, medical laboratory scientists, laboratory technicians, pathologists, and other laboratory roles. Conclusion The results also show how case-based scenarios can help promote best practices in ETU, which may be particularly beneficial for laboratory decision-makers. In addition to showing increased understanding of ETU strategies, the results also pose lessons learned for designing similar types of case-based education.