Enter the virtual laboratory and navigate to Sample Reception.
Open the ‘in-tray’ to review the
deliveries in the laboratory.
Work through the samples received checking the referral information, sample type,
sample label(s) and input into the LIMS identifying any inconsistencies, errors or
inappropriate referrals.
Review outcomes and frequency of participation with local line manager using the
individual performance dashboard to determine competency and identify training
needs.
UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) for Molecular
Genetics has developed the online Genetics Training Assessment and
Competency Tool (G-TACT) in conjunction with Certus Technology, with the
aim to provide continuing assessment of the ability of individuals working in
laboratories to perform both routine and non-routine tasks.
The requirement of medical laboratories to work to International Standard
ISO15189 has introduced the need to evidence the training and ongoing
competency of staff at all levels for all tasks performed. The demonstration
of staff to accurately follow testing protocols has been widely adopted,
however the measurement of training and competency for routine genetic
laboratory duties is problematic.
The G-TACT online scheme provides evidence of competency for such
tasks and identifies unmet training needs within laboratory staff at all levels.
Introducing genetics training and competency assessment
into day-to-day laboratory working practice
INTRODUCTION
METHODS
SAMPLE RECEPTION SCENARIO
G-TACT offers, for the first time, a consistent approach to ensure
individuals working at all levels in genetics and pathology laboratories are
appropriately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks to a
high quality standard.
CONCLUSIONS
• All individuals participating in an assessment are registered by their
organisation/laboratory and assigned to appropriate scenarios. Participation is
active throughout the year and can be completed when appropriate for each
individual.
• The participant accesses the website, enters the virtual laboratory and selects
which scenario they wish to complete. These scenarios include tasks that are
undertaken by Sample Receptionists, Duty Clinical Scientist, Data Analysts,
and Report Authorisers, thereby covering a range of roles within the laboratory.
(see Figure 1).
• Examples of routine tasks being assessed include:
- logging a sample into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- dealing with service users requests, prioritising workloads and assigning tests
- analysing and interpreting test results
- interpretation of sequence variants (NEWLY LAUNCHED)
- authorising clinical reports
- assessing tissue sample tumour content & cellularity (NEWLY LAUNCHED)
Figure 1 – The scenarios provided within G-TACT
• For each sample reception and duty scientist participation, the system generates a
random scenario, so no two individuals will complete the exact same task. The
system can introduce errors or problems to expose the participant to more
challenging scenarios they may encounter, e.g. handling of samples which are not
fit for purpose or analysing and reporting sub-optimal results.
• The system automatically assesses the participant’s handling of the scenario.
• The modular format enables new workstations, tasks and roles to be introduced as
the laboratory environment changes. Currently the assessments cover germline and
somatic molecular testing services, and additional assessments are being
developed for future, including cytogenetic services (see Figure 2).
• Local line manager/training officer can tailor scenarios to local testing policy or the
individual’s training needs.
Figure 2 – Display of the multiple uses of G-TACT
Zandra C. Deans1, F. Khawaja1, I. Bamsey2, B. Lings2, A. Seller3 and S. Abbs4
1. UK NEQAS for Molecular Genetics, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2. Certus Technology, Hems Mews, Exeter, United Kingdom, 3. Health Education England, Birmingham, United
Kingdom, 4. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The Scheme would like to thank Certus Technologies for the development of the tool.
The development of this training assessment and competency tool has been partly supported by a grant from Health
Education England For further information please contact Dr Sandi Deans ([email protected]).
Sample Reception
Duty Scientist
Tumourcontent
assessment
Test data analysis
Sequence variant
interpretation
Report authorisation