Leadership perspectives: Challenges in biomedical science and workforce planning

30 Sept 2024
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead
Leadership perspectives: Challenges in biomedical science and workforce planning

In this insightful discussion, David Wells, CEO of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), in discussion with Sonia Nicholas, Managing Editor of SelectScience, highlights the critical role of biomedical scientists in healthcare, noting their involvement in 70-95% of patient pathways. Wells addresses challenges such as rising diagnostic costs, workforce shortages, and the need for strategic use of diagnostics. Wells emphasizes the importance of utilizing biomedical scientists to their full potential and the need for innovative solutions, including automation and global collaboration. This conversation, part of the #CLINICAL24 discussion, sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare, the essential contributions of biomedical science and the need for the IBMS Long Term Workforce Plan.

This interview was recorded for #CLINICAL24 2024

About the company

Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) logo

Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the United Kingdom.

The Institute aims to promote and develop the role of biomedical science within healthcare to deliver the best possible service for patient care and safety. It does this by supporting biomedical scientists in their education and training, improving standards of practice, representing the profession and working with organisations to improve laboratory service.

Other videos from Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)

Links

Tags

Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.CLINICAL24CLINICAL24 is a global conversation, hosted by SelectScience for the medical laboratory profession and all those that support it. The purpose of CLINICAL24 is to highlight current lab challenges, and to explore the technology solutions to overcome them.