Fertility & Reproduction (Sep 2023)

Guidelines for Best Practice for Staffing of ART Laboratories and Professional Development of IVF Scientists

  • Yee Shan Lisa Lee,
  • Sally Catt,
  • Simon Cooke,
  • Kylie Fisk,
  • Jeanette Mackenzie,
  • Jayne Mullen,
  • Nyssa Pohl,
  • Tim Rabbitt,
  • Taneeka Rutherford,
  • Cathy Tully

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1142/S2661318223500160
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 05, no. 03
pp. 163 – 175

Abstract

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Research Question: To establish recommendations for optimal staffing levels, training, and professional development in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories in Australia and New Zealand. Design: Exploration by Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) subcommittee representing 10 different ART centers of the time requirements and complexity of ART procedures and to define training and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Results: The Staffing Model for ART (smART) “plug and play” calculator was developed by the SIRT subcommittee. Twelve routine procedures were examined IVF, ICSI, ICSI + PGT, ICSI + TESE, FET, FET from PGT, oocyte vitrification, oocyte warming, intrauterine insemination (IUI), semen freeze, TESE with semen freeze, and semen analysis. Based on a cycle with 10 eggs, the average time taken to do each procedure was considered as well as the complexity of the task. Laboratory quality control (QC), other administrative tasks, and leave days are reflected in the calculator. Recommendations for years of experience were determined as a trained scientist (24 months), a senior scientist (5 years), and Scientific Director (10 years). CPD is strongly recommended to improve the skills, knowledge, and ability of scientific staff. Conclusions: The risks in the IVF laboratory primarily associated with lower staffing levels have been reviewed, and the smART calculator is designed to assist clinics to tailor adequate staffing levels for their specific needs. The smART calculator is an invaluable tool for clinics to use going forward. Key MessageWe have reviewed the risks in the IVF laboratory primarily associated with lower staffing levels, and created the smART calculator designed to assist clinics in being able to tailor adequate staffing levels for their specific needs. We believe the smART calculator will be an invaluable tool moving forward for all ART clinics and accreditors.

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