September 2011 saw the first ever NNHF funded basic coagulation training course.  Aimed at laboratory scientists relatively new to coagulation testing and seeking further expertise, the 3-day training took place at the Royal Free Hospital in London and was led by Dr Angus McCraw (pictured left with two of the participants).

Amongst stiff competition, 5 participants were selected for the course.  Their home countries were diverse, yet when it came to laboratory testing their challenge was a common one:  In the face of limited resources and equipment, how can they maximise the effectiveness of coagulation testing in their laboratories?  The participants knew only too well that lack of accuracy during screening could lead to misdiagnosis, unsuitable care and treatment as well as the need for repeated testing, wasting already scarce reagents.

A starting point for all participants was learning how to undertake manual testing.  Whilst some participants used (semi-)automated systems in their laboratories, these can break down and adequate technical support is not always available.  By learning manual techniques, participants will be better able to check the accuracy of test results and identify when the automated systems are not working properly.

The course participants also learned about the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the set-up of an internal quality assurance system, as well as the need for an external quality control scheme. All participants thanked Dr Angus McCraw for the comprehensive training material which includes a sample of SOPs used at the Royal Free Hospital. Mutual consent prevailed between all participants to introduce or review existing guidelines and SOPs in their laboratories upon their return.

Aside from the technical knowledge acquired through the course, participants also came away with ideas on how their own teams could work more effectively.  These ideas focused on the importance of building relationships with clinicians at their hospitals, and a realisation that medical staff outside of their laboratory teams should also learn more about coagulation testing.  This is because the screening process begins the moment blood is taken from the patient – getting this right is the first step in ensuring accurate diagnosis of haemophilia and allied bleeding disorders.

Together with Dr Angus McCraw the NNHF developed this training course as part of its strategic objective to build capacity in the countries NNHF works in, and to improve the quality of diagnosis for people with haemophilia and allied bleeding disorders.  We at the NNHF know that this is the first step in an ongoing learning process.  That is why we have developed action development plans for each participant to follow once they have returned to their home country.  We will be tracking the progress of each participant against these plans in the coming months.

“Once back at their labs, these participants will know when the tests do not yield a correct result. Angus and I receive many emails about this from people that trained with us, so we know that they are identifying more incorrect results than they were able to previously”
Anne Riddell, Head Lab Technician, Royal Free Hospital 

“As a university lecturer, I feel better able to communicate to my students the importance of learning manual techniques.  At my hospital, I will work to ensure that we have at least one technician trained in manual techniques.”

Amoateng Kwaku Antwi, Ghana

“Before this course I didn’t realise how complex coagulation testing could be.  I will also be encouraging everyone involved with a patient to liaise more with lab staff, as the more information lab staff have, the more likely that we will reach an accurate diagnosis.”

Islam Reda El Ghamry, Egypt

“I will follow-up this course by training my staff on the importance of following SOPs.”

Sheila Tolentino, Philippines

“This course has given me the technical knowledge I need to be able to identify inaccurate results”

Niroshani Habaragamuwa, Sri Lanka

“Now that I know manual techniques, I will find it much easier to troubleshoot problems with the machines in my lab”

Nguyen Thi Duyen, Vietnam

Since returning to the Philippines, Sheila Tolentino has directly shared her acquired skills with her lab colleagues and trained them about the importance of quality assurance and how to correctly perform and control coagulation tests.  We look forward to receiving similar updates from the other Course participants.

NNHF is delighted to announce that a second Basic Coagulation Course will take place in London from 18-20 April 2012.  Click here for more details and how to apply.