A Delphi study exploring stakeholder perceptions of the role of the biomedical scientist in patient outcomes

Abstract

Biomedical Scientists (BMSs) work in healthcare laboratories providing diagnostic testing and monitoring therapeutic effects on patients. The standards that govern the profession refer to working in the best interests of the patient and service user, yet BMSs have little or no patient contact. This raises the question of how BMSs relate their role to patient outcomes and how they evidence that they meet these requirements. This study explored stakeholder perceptions of the BMS role to determine whether there was a shared understanding of how the BMS role contributes to patient outcomes and how BMSs demonstrate that they work in the best interests of the patient and service user. Round 1 of the Delphi study involved qualitative interviews and focus groups with staff and students on the BSc Biomedical Science programmes, practising BMSs within the National Health Service (NHS), and representatives from the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB). Thematic analysis of the 1st round responses generated statements which participants scored using a Likert scale in round 2. The degree of divergence or consensus amongst stakeholders was assessed using a 70% consensus level. In the 2nd round, there was evidence of divergence of opinion across the stakeholder groups. This demonstrated a gap between education and laboratory-based practice in both the student and academic groups which was described as a theory-practice gap. This was most evident in topics such as the BMS role in patient care, professional registration and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working. This is the first time a theory-practice gap has been identified with respect to the BMS workforce. This demonstrates a contribution to knowledge and practice of this study as students may not be adequately prepared for their role.