From: The value of the modern embryologist to a successful IVF system: revisiting an age-old question
Competency | Key outcome area | References |
---|---|---|
Technical expertise (acquired through training or high procedural volume) | ▪ Higher fertilization rates and lower degeneration rates post-ICSI | |
▪ High usable blastocysts and higher sustained implantation | [6] | |
▪ Shorter procedural timings affecting the overall laboratory efficiency and productivity | [8] | |
▪ Consistent and reproducible laboratory and clinical outcomes after embryo biopsy | [9] | |
▪ Higher survival rates following vitrification | [10] | |
Scientific expertise | ▪ Licensing and certification, based on academic qualifications, operative logbooks experience, knowledge examination, and continuing education programs, is a requirement in many countries and contribute to embryologists’ prestige | |
Management | ▪ Problem-solving and troubleshooting processes to maintain the highest and consistently reliable outcomes | |
▪ Security of continuity of care through prophylactic laboratory management in case of emergencies | [4] | |
Decision-making | ▪ Informed and timely decisions regarding embryo morphological assessment for transfer or vitrification to optimize patients’ outcomes | [15] |
Collaboration and teamwork | ▪ A team approach to troubleshooting when sub-optimal outcomes are encountered | |
▪ Effective teamwork reduces inter-professional conflicts and maximizes outcomes | ||
Communication | ▪ Establishing rapport, empathy, trust, and delivering information for optimal patient outcomes and retention Communication among the clinic’s teams for timely problem-solving and maintaining a comfortable workplace environment | |
Scholarship and teaching | ▪ Sponsored trials generate income and add prestige to the embryologist and the clinic | |
▪ Increase staff satisfaction | ||
Professionalism | ▪ Work within the standards and maintenance of standards of ethics, probity, and confidentiality | |
▪ Effective teamwork based on respectful and culturally competent behaviors | ||
▪ Work ethics includes teaching and training by transferring the knowledge and experience to juniors |