Laboratory Management for Cytopathology Fellows: Our Institution’s Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective The cytopathology laboratory is one of the most highly regulated clinical laboratories. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones include competencies in laboratory management. Additionally, many cytology fellows will be involved in laboratory management after finishing training. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate formal laboratory management training for cytology fellows. Our cytopathology department implemented a formal laboratory management curriculum this year, with emphasis placed on the milestones (1.0 and 2.0) provided by the ACGME. Methods/Case Report The curriculum is divided into seven modules extending throughout the fellowship year (August-April). The modules include hand-off communication, process improvement, laboratory accreditation (introduction, intermediate, advanced) and error management (introduction, intermediate). Each module has two components: self-study of assigned reading materials and online courses, followed by an interactive session with faculty and/or laboratory personnel. Several engaging, high-quality resources are used including Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School, modules from professional organizations, PubMed articles, National Quality Forum, departmental committees and mock inspections. Each module is followed by an interactive session to review policies, procedures and/or checklists. The fellows also spend time in the cytology laboratory preparation area and participate in Quality Improvement meetings. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The fellowship director discusses the educational expectations at the start of each module. Evidence of compliance is demonstrated by uploading all of the completed assignments to MedHub (a web- based training management system) at the end of the module. All of the modules include self-assessment questions that are reviewed by the fellowship director. Conclusion Our cytopathology laboratory introduced a structured laboratory management curriculum. This curriculum fulfills some of the laboratory management competencies put forth in the ACGME milestones. This curriculum will also help to prepare fellows to confidently participate in cytology laboratory management as they enter the workforce.