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Table 1 The core competencies of embryologists associated with key outcome areas

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

[6, 7]

▪ 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

[11, 12]

Management

▪ Problem-solving and troubleshooting processes to maintain the highest and consistently reliable outcomes

[13, 14]

 

▪ 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

[16, 17]

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