Core competencies required by toxicology graduates in order to function effectively in a Poisons Information Centre: A Delphi study

Abstract

Introduction The availability of trained Medical Toxicologists in developing countries is limited and education in Medical Toxicology remains inadequate. The lack of toxicology services contributes to a knowledge gap in the management of poisonings. A need existed to investigate the core competencies required by toxicology graduates to effectively operate in a Poisons Information Centre. The aim of this study was to obtain consensus from an expert group of health care workers on these core competencies. This was done by making use of the Delphi technique. Methodology The Delphi survey started with a set of carefully selected questions drawn from various sources including a literature review and exploration of existing curricula. To capture the collective opinion of experts in South Africa, Africa and also globally, three different groups were invited to participate in the study. To build and manage the questionnaire, the secure Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) web platform was used. Results A total of 134 competencies were selected for the three rounds and in the end consensus was reached on 118 (88%) items. Panel members agreed that 113 (96%) of these items should be incorporated in a Medical Toxicology curriculum and five (4%) should be excluded. Discussion All participants agreed that effective communication is an essential skill for toxicology graduates. The curriculum can address this problem by including effective pedagogy to enhance oral and written communication skills. Feedback from panellists indicated that the questionnaires were country-specific and not necessarily representative of all geographical locations. This is an example of the ‘battle of curriculum design’ where the context in which the curriculum will be used, will determine the content. Conclusion The Delphi method, based on three iterative rounds and feedback from experts, was effective in reaching consensus on the learning outcomes of a Medical Toxicology curriculum. The study results will ultimately improve education in Medical Toxicology.

Interpol review of forensic management, 2019–2022

“…As highlighted in the ENFSI values position, attention must be paid to the forensic laboratory workforce. Some of the tactical decisions address investment in human resources [ 28 , [33] , [34] , [35] ]. Other studies examine the educational requirements for those entering the forensic science workforce (e.g., Refs.…”

“…There has also been continued support for international education standards and certification to facilitate the investigation of cross-border crimes [ 31 , 115 ]. Discipline specific challenges and opportunities have been discussed in the literature, including in forensic anthropology [ 28 ], toxicology [ 34 , 75 ]; NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG), 2021b), DNA [ 3 ]), forensic intelligence [ 3 ]); SAKs submission and testing [ 85 , 96 ], and ballistics (NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG), 2021a). There has also been support for education and training of forensic science stakeholders such as police and the legal community broadly [ 40 , 41 , 133 ], who in turn can then better support laboratories in achieving their mission of assisting the criminal justice system.…”

The sentinel role of forensic toxicology laboratories to identify and act upon diverse drug threats by addressing toxicology and economic demands

“…The adoption of new testing methodologies, which requires more staffing, is the best way to satisfy analytical requirements and remain responsive to emerging toxicological threats [ 76 ]. Likewise, the increased demand for toxicological services requires adequately trained individuals and is essential to managing current workloads [ 2 , 77 ]. A new analyst in a forensic toxicology laboratory usually qualifies for work with a minimum of a 4-year undergraduate degree in a natural science such as chemistry, pharmacology, or biology and needs an additional 1 to 3 years to be fully trained in analytical and toxicological concepts and methods.…”