Background/Case Studies: Training to become a phlebotomist in a blood collection facility is lengthy, duration typically being 8-10 weeks. Non-Technical Training is completed before phlebotomists start technical training and includes department and organization-level procedures/policies and activities. A tool identified as a Prioritization Matrix to gather training owner input, was used to identify procedure/activity placement and criticality to Non-Technical Training for phlebotomists. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Prioritization Matrix tool when applied to Non-Technical Training for blood collection facility phlebotomists.
Study
Design/Methods: Criteria of risk, depth and relevance/alignment were used to evaluate options for training owners. Weights were assigned to reflect the importance of each criterion. Weighted scores were produced to guide decision-making. Final scores were placed into four quadrants prioritizing training items and placed into the Training Plan accordingly. Critical items were kept in Non-Technical Training. Items deemed less critical were addressed in other parts of the Training Plan. Training considered unnecessary was deleted. Training time saved was determined by using Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS). Net Promoter Score (NPS) was captured by a survey deployed to phlebotomists upon completion of Phase I training from July 2023 to December 2023, Non-Technical Training being the first day of Phase I. Results were compared to phlebotomists trained after implementation of the new Training Plan from July 2024 to December 2024. Cost savings were calculated based on average hourly rates and yearly new hires.
Results/Findings: Applying the Prioritization Matrix resulted in a nearly 5-hour reduction in Non-Technical Training. A total of 2.44 hours was reassigned to areas of greater relevance in the Training Plan. The complete removal of certain training procedures/activities saved 2.55 hours of training time. Baseline annual Non-Technical Training was $109,271 (trainer and trainee cost) and after applying the matrix, the complete removal of unnecessary training alone saved $31,308 annually. Removal and reassignment enhanced the overall quality of the phlebotomy training experience as Non-Technical Training typically lasted greater than a day. The NPS rating increased 6 points after implementation. (Figure 1)
Conclusions: Applying the Prioritization Matrix allowed a true assessment of training placement throughout the Training Plan and proved to be effective in reducing completion time of Non-Technical Training for phlebotomists. Use of the Prioritization Matrix reduced training time and cost. Trainee satisfaction improved, as reflected in a higher NPS. The Prioritization Matrix can be applied across other departments to reduce training time and cost, while improving trainee satisfaction.
