A novel internal training program using Kern's 6-step approach to curriculum development for medical laboratory scientists training to be international quality assurance/quality control coordinators

Abstract

Objective: Patient Safety Monitoring in International Laboratories (pSMILE) is a resource ensuring quality testing in clinical laboratories performing National Institutes of Health-funded HIV research requiring specific staff training. We demonstrate the development of an online asynchronous training model using Kern's 6-step approach to support pSMILE functions.

Methods: An existing curriculum was revamped to incorporate Kern's approach. Metrics for success were described in rubrics with feedback guiding improvements and updates.

Results: Curriculum updates took more than a year. Direct observations of skills informed curriculum changes. Module self-evaluations were reviewed to assess performance and the overall curriculum. The content, curriculum, and training documentation were deemed compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015.

Conclusion: Asynchronous training for highly skilled and self-directed staff is a novel way to deploy training while maintaining productivity of existing staff. Feedback and evaluation allowed for curriculum updates including previously underdeveloped topics. Kern's approach ensured that the needs of the sponsor, management, laboratories, and learners were met.

Keywords: curriculum development; quality assurance; training program.