Factors influencing career well-being of medical laboratory professionals

A Literature Review

Authors

  • Dunuru Perera Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Sri Lanka
  • B.G.A. Eranga Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Sri Lanka
  • I.W.M Madushani Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Sri Lanka
  • B.A.N Eranda Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • M.M.K. Peiris Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56226/118

Keywords:

Healthcare workers, Quality of work life, Job satisfaction, clinical laboratory professionals

Abstract

Background: Career well-being across the healthcare system worldwide is correlated with a massive occupational burden due to several emerging factors. Medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) play a key role in diagnosis, treatment planning and infection control.  MLPs have undergone significant emotional and financial decline over the past decades, which has diminished job satisfaction, productivity, mental health, and retention. Despite the expectation that career satisfaction is primarily influenced by financial and emotional aspects, the existing literature on job satisfaction among medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) remains scarce.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to expand knowledge through available literature on the factors influencing the career well-being of medical laboratory professionals.

Methods: Research articles published between 2018 and 2025 on PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were accessed. A critical review of original experimental and observational studies addressing the career satisfaction of medical laboratory professionals was conducted to develop a narrative review. Studies that did not present relevant data and those that did not contain primary data were excluded.

Results: A total of 150 articles were retrieved and 19 articles were selected to study a variety of factors that contribute to MLPs’ well-being, including occupational satisfaction, motivation, financial stability, job security, a favorable policy framework, benefits, career development and recognition. The main factors identified include workplace environment, workload, mental health, pay and benefits, leave policy, job security, work-life balance, professional growth and development, administrative capacity, employee retention, and turnover. This review illustrates that several factors affect the career well-being of medical laboratory staff to differing extents. The findings indicate that inadequate pay, heavy workload and limited professional development opportunities are strongly linked to low job satisfaction and increase emotional stress among laboratory professionals. These findings also highlight the importance of tailored Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs and strong leadership to improve efficiency and staff retention.

Conclusion: In terms of the real-world situation, this narrative review highlights the key elements influencing medical laboratory professionals' occupational well-being. This article aims to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the most recent research findings on this topic. These findings will contribute to evidence-based practice and to the development of strategies to improve human resource management.

Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: This article helps to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the current level of job satisfaction among medical laboratory professionals. The findings of this research will contribute valuable knowledge to the global health sector by highlighting job dissatisfaction among medical laboratory professionals and supporting evidence-based practice.

References

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Published

10-11-2025

How to Cite

Perera, D., Eranga, B., Madushani, I., Eranda, B., & Peiris, M. (2025). Factors influencing career well-being of medical laboratory professionals: A Literature Review. International Healthcare Review (online). https://doi.org/10.56226/118

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Online First

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