Research article: Action Plan for the Future – the Situation for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (BLS) in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden
Sophie Godau, Mette Lundstrøm Dahl, Åge Winje Brustad, Bente Alm, Kaija Sopenlehto, Gabriella Lillsunde Larsson
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a lack of professionals in the Nordic countries as well as the prognosis for the future in relation to educational output. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the Nordic professional’s point of view on how to make the profession attractive, what career opportunities that are needed and what role the BLS should have in the future healthcare setting.
Materials and methods: Data for each country were provided from reports. Professionals present at the NML congress 2023 were invited to discuss questions related to the lack of BLS. Answers were collected, summarized, and grouped in themes.
Results: Three of four Nordic countries report current and future challenges in BLS workforce and a substantial amount of BLS in the Nordic countries are 50 years or older. Despite efforts where admissions to the universities have increased, the amount of examinates has not increased proportionally. Professionals identifies a need for making the profession more attractive highlighting career opportunities, professional visibility, salary increase, and task-shifting.
Discussion: We have identified several threats to the sustention of BLS in healthcare today and in the future in the Nordic countries. This includes high retirement numbers, drift towards working in the private sector, as well as low salaries and lack of career opportunities. In this study, the profession has provided useful insights on how to make the profession more attractive including increased visibility, provide career paths, and distinguish what the BLS competence is and can be in the future.
Conclusion: We have identified several future arenas for the profession that can attract students to educations, keep professionals in healthcare, and secure high quality in diagnostics. To succeed, we need stronger linkage between the profession itself, educational institutions, healthcare employers, and professional organizations.
Keywords: Scandinavian and Nordic Countries, Medical Laboratory Personnel.
Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2024(13)1:41-50 【PDF】
