The Challenges of Medical Technologists during COVID-19 Specimen Collection

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious disease caused by a new strain of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Medical technologists, along with doctors and nurses, are also heroes in the fight against the virus as they risk their own health in order to collect and analyze specimens for the diagnosis of the disease. However, they face numerous challenges along the way.

Objectives: This study aimed to better understand the difficulties of medical technologists assigned to collect COVID-19 specimen in tertiary hospitals or laboratories in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Methodology: Utilizing the qualitative case study design, the researchers interviewed 14 medical
technologists and examined the data according to Colaizzi's method which consisted of grouping and
categorizing relevant remarks before formulating themes.

Findings: The researchers were able to formulate the following themes: (1) patient-related challenges, namely, attitude, age, health status, and communication; (2) physical challenges, namely, fatigue, work hours, number of patients, and the use of personal protective equipment; (3) environmental challenges, namely, collection setting, temperature, and exposure to the virus; (4) resource challenges, namely, supplies and human resources; and (5) psychological challenges, namely, fear, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.

Conclusion: The study was able to analyze the obstacles faced by COVID-19 specimen collectors in order to give a means of hearing from and comprehending their viewpoints. This shows the importance of performing regular reviews of healthcare workers to ensure their safety. Medical technologists and their supervisors should be able to communicate effectively in order to improve current standards and procedures.

Published online: December 22, 2021