Course content

The subject includes general laboratory techniques and quality management, including patient-centered analyzes (PNA). Preanalytical and analytical conditions that may affect test results. Venous and capillary specimen collection. Hygiene and exposure hazards. Health, environment and safety (HSE).

Interaction, communication and conflict management in theory and practice. Organization of the public health system in Norway and the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist. Relevant laws and ethical guidelines for biomedical laboratory scientists with emphasis on confidentiality rules and informed consent. Cross-cultural communication and understanding of the concept of health.

The students must be able to apply professional communication skills and exercise ethical sensitivity to understand their responsibilities as healthcare professionals. It is important for students to be able to apply their own professional ethical guidelines in discussions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - The student:

• has knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and quality assurance in medical laboratory work
• can explain preanalytical conditions that can affect the test result
• has knowledge of blood, blood cells, and urin analysis
• has knowledge of venous and capillary blood sampling
• understands the importance of infection control and hygiene measures in connection with patient contact and medical laboratory work
• has knowledge of HES work in the medical laboratory
• has knowledge on how patient-near analysis and self-testing is performed and quality assured
• has knowledge of professional communication including active listening and structuring of professional conversations
• have knowledge of moral values ​​that underlie professional communication
• has knowledge of professional communication with various vulnerable patient groups such as children, the elderly, those with aphasia, the hearing impaired and minorities
• has knowledge of interaction and conflict management models
• has knowledge of confidentiality rules assessment
• has knowledge of interprofessional interaction for the patient's benefit between health professions
• knows about the structure and organization of the health service in Norway, including the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist
• has knowledge of relevant legislation
• has knowledge of ethical theories and ethical reflection tools, and the biomedical laboratory scientists professional ethical guidelines
• can see the person as a whole, and has respect for human integrity and rights
• knows how to detect violence / care failure and is familiar with the service's notification routines in case of care failure, violence, abuse, and drug or socio-economic problems.

Skills - The student:

• can perform basic biomedical laboratory techniques according to procedures such as the use of microscope, pipettes and analytical instruments
• can perform venous and capillary blood sampling according to procedures
• can safeguard health, environment and safety in patient contact and in medical laboratory work
• has a trained ability to reveal value conflicts and ethical dilemmas in practical health and social work at individual, group and community level
• has a trained ability for ethical reflection and develop good ethical interaction with patients
• has practiced communication skills in meeting with the patient
• has built a basis for processing their own experiences related to patient contact
• has reflected on their perspective of human life in line with the health profession's shared values
• has practiced interprofessional interaction
• has practiced reflection around assessment of suitability

General competences - The student

• has the basis for further practical studies within biomedical laboratory science
• understands the importance of communication within the health service
• has insight into the field of biomedical laboratory scientists, is aware and reflective in the best interest for the patient, and about their own work
• has developed an understanding of the importance of a good psychosocial working environment
• know the biomedical laboratory scientist professional practice and their role in the health services
• has knowledge of the suitability assessment og biomedical laboratory scientist students
• has knowledge of children and young people's needs for services in light of biomedical laboratory scientist work and how to ensure their participation and rights
• has knowledge of how to detect violence/failure to care and the notification routines for neglect, violence, abuse, substance abuse and socio-economic problems

Learning methods and activities

Expected number of working hours in total 200. Teacher-led hours: approx. 40 hours lecture/seminar and 32 hours internal practical studies. Pedagogical methods will be a combination of lectures, practical studies, written works, group work and seminars. Emphasis will be placed on the student's own learning through e.g. student assignments.

• Mandatory lectures requires 70% attendance and active participation in group discussions
• Laboratory course is concluded with a practical passing test and all reports must be approved to attend the passing test
• Approved project work in ethics and communication with presentation to the class

In the case of applications for recognition of subjects from previous cohorts or other institutions' equivalent educations, each application will be concidered individually and the applicant must be able to take into account credit reduction for overlapping subjects.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory course
• Practical test
• Oral presentation in Communication and ethics
• At least 70% attendance in compulsory classes

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Addmission to the study program.

Course materials

For the laboratory course, a separate workbook will be issued.

Urine microscopy, practical execution and picture atlas. Bente Urdal Vinje. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget 2012

Communication in relations, Eide and Eide 2017

Professional ethics for bioengineers and radiographers. Braseth, Røsvik, Satinovic and Aadland. The Norwegian Association 2018

Ethics for Biomedical laboratory scientist, Professional ethical guidelines. Electronic booklet from NITO, 2020

Credit reductions