ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Integrating Molecular and Cytogenetics Working Practices

Jennie BellSenior Training Lead

Birmingham

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Traditional Situation Scientists and technicians usually work in

a designated area Constitutional cytogenetics Molecular Oncology Prenatal cytogenetics or Prenatal molecular

Focus on expertise in either molecular or cytogenetic techniques Sequencing Cell culture and harvesting

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Limitations Molecular and cytogenetic laboratories are

often physically distanced

Laboratory structure

Needs of the clinical service

Historical working practises The way we have always done it

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Why change? Emerging techniques

Changing workforce

Cost implications

Modernising Scientific Careers

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Technology Microarrays

Global view Falling costs Increasing expertise Bridging technology Mixed skills required

MLPA Widely used Resolve cytogenetically identified

abnormalities at the molecular level

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Changing Workforce Important to review roles within a

department

Is the most appropriate person doing the most appropriate job?

Develop individual skills

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

MSC

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

ACC/CMGS GT Training manual Formal move toward integrated training

programme

Recognises the need for technologists to have multidisciplinary skills

Module in cytogenetics or molecular for trainees recruited to specific discipline

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Impact of MSC Training focussed on patient care

pathways Learning Disorders Sexual differentiation and infertility Cancer Population Screening

Fully integrated training approach for both Scientists and Practitioners

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Skill requirements - Scientists Managing patients rather than specific

condition or disease

Knowledge of chromosome and molecular testing strategies

Provision of a combined report

Increase managerial skills

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Skill Requirements - Practitioners Managed all technical aspects of

laboratory Knowledge of cell culture and DNA

extraction – interlinking Increase technical expertise across a

range of sample referrals Broaden analysis skills Increase managerial skills

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Planning to provide integrated training

Team work Cross sectional support Appreciation of the need for change Careful planning Respect different working practises A new way of thinking A new way of working

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Delivering integrated training- Practitioners

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Delivering Integrated Training- Scientists

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Support Trainee Mentors

Paired cyto/molecular (Bristol model) Trainee Assessors In-house training

Trainers Trainees Journal Club Seminars

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

New Ideas Develop new processes Use mixed-skill knowledge Are there any communal areas that could

be developed? Specimen reception Duty scientist

Look at particular laboratory scenarios Improve extraction of DNA from cultured cells

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Existing Staff Important to involve existing staff

Open discussion

Open planning

Continue to support their development

Encourage junior members of staff to participate in training delivery

ACC/CMGS Technologist Training Day - 1st October 2009

Conclusion Integration can be a positive thing

Staff become skilled in a broader range of techniques

Deploy staff in laboratory areas requiring maximum support

Improve patient care