Data_Sheet_2_The Forgotten (Invisible) Healthcare Heroes: Experiences of Canadian Medical Laboratory Employees Working During the Pandemic.pdf

ObjectiveThe purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the stressors and coping strategies of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) and assistants (MLAs) working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.
MethodsIn this descriptive qualitative study, we held two focus groups with MLTs and MLA who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus group sessions were transcribed verbatim followed by thematic analysis to develop codes and themes.
FindingsA total of 13 participants across Ontario were involved in our study, which included one MLT (n = 7) group and one MLA (n = 6) MLA. Overall, the stressors and coping methods identified between both focus groups were consistent. Our results revealed four main themes: (1) COVID-19 contributing to the notable and existing staff shortage; (2) the pandemic reinforced that medical laboratory employees are forgotten within the healthcare system; (3) a poor work environment exacerbated by the pandemic; and (4) a resilient and passionate group. Rich descriptions explained the underlying issues related to the themes.
ConclusionsMLTs and MLAs are critical members of the healthcare team and provide vital patient care services. This study explored their experiences working during the pandemic and offers timely recommendations to mitigate against occupational stressors.

研究目的
本项质性研究旨在了解加拿大安大略省在新冠疫情期间工作的医学检验技师（Medical Laboratory Technologists, MLTs）与医学检验助理（Medical Laboratory Assistants, MLAs）所面临的压力源及应对策略。
研究方法
在本项描述性质性研究中，研究团队针对新冠疫情期间在岗的MLTs与MLAs开展了两场焦点小组访谈。访谈内容经逐字转录后，采用主题分析法进行编码并提炼核心主题。
研究结果
本研究共纳入安大略省境内13名参与者，分为医学检验技师组（n=7）与医学检验助理组（n=6）。总体而言，两组焦点小组所识别出的压力源与应对方式具有一致性。研究结果共提炼出四大核心主题：（1）新冠疫情加剧了本已存在的医护人员短缺问题；（2）疫情凸显出医学检验从业人员在医疗体系中被忽视的现状；（3）疫情进一步恶化了本就恶劣的工作环境；（4）团队成员展现出坚韧不拔与热忱奉献的特质。研究辅以详实描述，阐明了各主题背后的深层问题。
研究结论
医学检验技师与医学检验助理是医疗团队的核心成员，可为患者提供至关重要的诊疗服务。本研究探讨了他们在疫情期间的工作经历，并提出了及时可行的建议，以缓解其职业压力源。