Modern hematology labs tackle staffing shortages, technology integration, and centralization

The SelectScience Advancing Healthcare Forum, held as part of the global CLINICAL24 campaign and sponsored by Scopio Labs, brought together leading experts in laboratory management to address some of the most pressing challenges in the hematology field. From staffing shortages and centralization efforts to the integration of novel technologies, the roundtable discussion served as a rich exchange of experiences and solutions for the modern hematology laboratory.

Moderated by Sonia Nicholas, Managing Editor and Clinical Lead at SelectScience, the panel featured four accomplished leaders: Mattias Bruegel, Vice Director at Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital Munich; Susan Dawson, recently retired Laboratory Administrative Director at Endeavor Health; Paul Cane, Medical Director at Synnovis and Deputy CMO at SYNLAB UK; and Daniel Dees, Medical Director of Clinical Hematology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Staffing shortages in modern hematology labs

A dominant theme during the discussion was the global shortage of skilled staff in clinical laboratories, an issue exacerbated by retirements and the increasing complexity of laboratory workflows. Susan Dawson opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of viewing staff as the most precious resource in any lab.

“Staffing shortages force lab management to look with fresh eyes at what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and how we’re utilizing our staff,” Dawson said. She outlined a three-pronged strategy for addressing these issues: engaging staff in process optimization, leveraging automation and middleware, and clearly defining technical and non-technical roles.

Dawson explained how involving frontline staff in decision-making not only drives improvements but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride. “When staff are engaged in the process, they are more likely to feel committed to the project, which leads to better retention,” she said.

Consolidating services to improve experience

Daniel Dees and Paul Cane shared their experiences with centralization, highlighting its potential to improve efficiency, standardize processes, and make better use of skilled personnel.

Dees described the ongoing centralization efforts at Mass General Brigham in Boston, US, where specialized testing, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis and flow cytometry, has been consolidated. By moving away from fragmented operations across multiple sites, the system has improved turnaround times, reduced costs, and standardized care.

“We’ve stopped competing for the same excellent techs within our system,” Dees said. “Instead, we’ve pooled resources, strengthened services, and ensured consistent care regardless of the patient’s location.”

Similarly, Cane detailed the centralization efforts in London, UK, where six hospitals streamlined their hematology services into a single, state-of-the-art facility. This move not only harmonized workflows but also provided a better working environment and new opportunities for innovation.

Cane noted that centralization requires transparent communication and addressing staff concerns about job roles and locations. “Change is usually difficult, but we were upfront about the benefits – why we’re doing this and how it will improve patient care and staff satisfaction,” he explained.

New technologies transform hematology workflows

The integration of new technologies emerged as another pivotal topic. While automation and digital tools promise to alleviate some staffing pressures, they also require careful implementation and buy-in from both technical and clinical teams.

Mathias Bruegel emphasized the importance of transparency when introducing new tools, such as digital imaging systems in hematology. “It’s essential to communicate the real added value of new technologies – whether medical, staff-related, or economic,” he said.

Bruegel also highlighted the human factor, urging labs not to lose sight of the need for highly skilled employees, even as automation becomes more prevalent. “Despite high levels of automation, laboratory medicine still needs a personal face to ensure clinical visibility and inspire future talent,” he said.

Susan Dawson shared a compelling example of how novel technology can transform workflows. She recounted an incident involving the Scopio Labs digital morphology system, which allowed remote analysis of a critical malaria case. “It was an ‘aha’ moment that demonstrated the potential of this technology—not just for diagnostics, but also for training and collaboration across sites,” she said.

Building a sustainable workforce

To address the challenges of recruitment and retention, panelists stressed the importance of structured career development programs. Dees discussed the career ladder initiative at his institution, which provides clear advancement opportunities for medical laboratory scientists (MLS).

“Staff engagement improves when they see opportunities for progression,” Dees said. “These programs also help address gaps in staffing by training and certifying new talent.”

Dees also highlighted an innovative MLS program that partners with local schools and offers categorical certifications. Supported by state grants, this initiative has doubled its enrollment in just one year, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals.

Bridging automation with clinical care

Mathias Bruegel addressed the critical need to reconnect automated laboratories with clinical care and patient outcomes. He emphasized that despite the increasing reliance on automation, the human element remains essential. Bruegel advocated for laboratory professionals to maintain a visible presence in clinical settings, whether through participating in clinical rounds, collaborating on research, or directly engaging with diagnostic strategies.

“This approach enhances communication and ensures that laboratory medicine remains an integral part of patient care,” Brule explained. He emphasized that fostering these connections not only improves the quality of care but also helps to strengthen the role of laboratory medicine within the broader healthcare ecosystem. By being proactive and accessible, lab professionals can bridge the gap between advanced technologies and the nuanced needs of patients and clinicians.

Looking ahead in hematology

The forum underscored the importance of forward-thinking strategies to navigate both challenges and opportunities in the hematology laboratory. Panelists stressed the need for innovation, adaptability, and collaboration to build a sustainable future for clinical laboratories. From centralization efforts that streamline workflows to training programs that address staffing shortages, the conversation highlighted actionable steps laboratories can take to stay resilient.