Developing a Competency Framework for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Taiwan: A Modified Delphi Approach

Background Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are essential members of the healthcare team, providing crucial information for patient diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and disease prevention. With the rapid development of laboratory medicine, the competencies required of MLS have significantly increased. While many countries have established frameworks to define MLS competencies, Taiwan currently lacks a comprehensive framework that is both aligned with international standards and specifically tailored to local healthcare needs. Methods This study was conducted from August 2022 to July 2023, employing a multi-stage mixed-methods approach to develop a competency framework for MLS in Taiwan. The process began with a systematic literature review and expert-informed focus group discussions to identify preliminary competencies. Subsequently, a three-round Delphi survey was conducted, involving 39 experts from teaching hospitals across various regions of Taiwan. Iterative modifications were made between each round to refine competency indicators, and the final consensus rate was set at 75%. Results The final framework comprises five core competencies: Technical Skills, Knowledge Base, Communication, Continuous Professional Development, and Professionalism, along with a total of 15 associated sub-competencies. Notably, three competency domain-level revisions were made during the Delphi process to reflect more observable and assessable behaviors. Additionally, six sub-competencies were revised for clarity and alignment with professional practice. Conclusion This study successfully constructed a comprehensive and hierarchically structured competency framework for MLS in Taiwan. The framework is both internationally aligned and deeply localized, providing a robust foundation for curriculum development and competency-based assessments. This framework is expected to significantly support the ongoing modernization of MLS education and enhance the quality of laboratory services in Taiwan.