Perception and Acceptance of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD) Degree (A Professional Doctorate Degree) among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria
Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Page 45-53
DOI:
10.9734/jamps/2020/v22i930193
Abstract
Background: The practice of Medical Laboratory Science has witnessed advancement globally, with increasing need for laboratory input in modern healthcare delivery. This has brought about the need for advanced education and training for practitioners of Medical Laboratory Science.
Objectives: This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the perception and acceptance of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD) degree among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria.
Methods: The study involved five hundred (500) Medical Laboratory Scientists across Nigeria, who participated based on informed consent. The survey instrument was a structured questionnaire that contained demographic information and 16 items which the respondents responded to.
Results: Out of the 500 respondents, 380(76%) were male while 120(24%) were female, with majority of them within 20 to 49 years of age. On the perception of the MLSD degree, 355(71%) of the respondents agreed that MLSD will increase employment opportunities for practitioners, 460(92%) agreed that it will offer practitioners enhanced emoluments while 490(98%) agreed that MLSD will enhance the knowledge base and clinical expertise of practitioners. Also, 400(80%) agreed that MLSD will help reduce quackery and impersonation of Medical Laboratory Scientists, 485(97%) agreed that it will enhance the prestige of the profession, 470(94%) agreed that it will enhance laboratory diagnosis and biomedical research. Data on acceptance show that 420(84%) of the respondents indicated that they would like to obtain the MLSD degree, 345(69%) will like one of their children to obtain the MLSD degree, 305(61%) do not support quasi-specialization in MLSD, 445(89%) agreed that MLSD without quasi-specialization will broaden the clinical knowledge and skills of practitioners and improve patient-care while 415(83%) believe that the MLSD without quasi-specialization will give more meaning to postgraduate specialization.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the MLSD has positive perception and acceptance among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria. Therefore, MLSD is recommended for adoption and implementation for the training of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigerian universities.
Keywords:
- Medical laboratory science
- MLSD
- perception
- professional doctorate degree
- Nigeria.
How to Cite
References
Fashina AI, Oghome P. Rethinking Medical Laboratory Science today. African Journal of Medical Sciences. 2011;4(2):72-76.
Ibrahim KK, Umar A, Mohammed K, Garba A, Sanusi M, Mohammed OM. Factors Influencing Students Choice for Medical Laboratory Science as a Profession: A Case of Students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Udu), Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health. 2017;2(2):1-8
Obeta MU, Maduka MK, Ejinaka OR. Medical Laboratory Science: the distortion of nomenclature across the globe. New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science. 2020;52.
Scott-Emuakpor A. The evolution of healthcare systems in Nigeria: Which way forward in the twenty-first century. Nigerian Medical Journal. 2010;51(2):53-65.
Ogaji D, Brisibe SF. The Nigerian healthcare system: Evolution, contradictions and proposal for future debates. Port Harcourt Medical Journal. 2015;9:S79-S88.
Ozuruoke DFN. History of Medical Laboratory Science: Nigeria in perspective. 2014. Lagos: Pundit Publishers
Agbonlahor DE, Ihimekpen G, Okara GC, Saliu I. Evaluation of Medical Laboratory Science profession in Nigeria. Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. 2014;6-91.
Beletic A, Zima T. Continuing professional development crediting system for specialists in laboratory medicine within 28 EFLM national societies. Biochemia Medica (Zagreb). 2013;23:332-341.
Obeta MU, Maduka MK, Ofor IB, Ofojekwu NM. Improving quality and cost diminution in modern healthcare delivery: The role of the Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Management Invention. 2019;8(3):08-19
Scalan PM. A review of Bachelor’s degree Medical Laboratory Scientist education and entry level practice in the United State. The Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 2013;24(1):5-13.
Leibach EK. The doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science: A view of clinical practice development. Clinical Laboratory Science. 2008;21(4):196-198
Ekwempu AI, Ede FR, Ojo OE, Ofojekwu M, Esien CU, Edeh NO, Adeshiya T, Damen J. A cross-sectional study of the knowledge and attitude of medical laboratory personnel regarding continuing professional development. Nigerian Medical Journal. 2015;56(6):425-428.
Koaje AU, Mohammed U, Mohammed Y, Ibrahim U, Alhassan S, Obi A, Raji MO, Ango UM. Quality of Medical Laboratory Services in a tertiary health institution in Sokoto, Nigeria. 2017;4(4):246-259.
Makinde OA, Sule A, Ayankogbe O, Boone D. Distribution of health facilities in Nigeria: Implications and options for universal health coverage. International Journal of Health coverage. International Journal of Health Planning and Management. 2018; 33(4):e1179-e1192.
Derbie A, Mekonnen D. Health professionals’ stance towards Medical Technology: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Medical Laboratory and Diagnosis. 2017;8(3):12-17.
Ishola AA, Adeleye ST, Tanimola FA. Impact of educational, professional qualification, and years of experience on Accountants’ job performance. Journal of Accounting and Financial Management. 2018;4(1):32-44.
Braithwaite J, Mannion R, Matsuyama Y, Shekelle PG, Whittaker S, Al-Adawi S, Ludlow K, James W, Ting HP, Herkes J, McPherson E, Churruca K, Lamprell G, Ellis LA, Boyling C, Warwick M, Pomare C, Nicklin W, Hughes CF. The future of health systems to 2030: A roadmap for global progress and sustainability. International Journal for Quality in Health Care. 2018; 30(10):823-831
Valdez AP. Competencies of career-entry Medical Technology graduates of Lyceum of Batangas: Basis for enhancement of the internship training program. JPAIR Multidisciplinary Journal. 2010;4:16-33.
-
Abstract View: 1561 times
PDF Download: 286 times
