AN ANALYSIS OF THE ONGOING CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES IN THE U.S

ABSTRACT

Laboratory medicine and the services provided throughout the healthcare system remain critical components in the ability to deliver quality patient care. Over the years and as of recently, due to COVID-19, delivery of proper care has been challenged with continual staffing constraints within the clinical laboratory. While this is not a new issue, its exacerbation poses an ongoing threat to clinical laboratories nationwide and has many healthcare administrators and executives searching for viable solutions. This paper focuses on exploring the depth and breadth of the issue to get to the root of the cause(s) of the critical shortage. Once these keys issues are identified, then realistic and effective solutions can be proposed and implemented throughout the laboratory field.