Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives

Abstract Background Technological Literacy (TL) is crucial in Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) for navigating the evolving Healthcare 4.0 landscape. This study explores TL’s conceptualization, operationalization, and implications for BLS education and practice. Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods a...

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Main Authors: Filis Necip, Henriette Lorenzen, Camilla Christine Qvist, Marianne Ellegaard, Hendra Y. Agustian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07639-0
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author Filis Necip
Henriette Lorenzen
Camilla Christine Qvist
Marianne Ellegaard
Hendra Y. Agustian
author_facet Filis Necip
Henriette Lorenzen
Camilla Christine Qvist
Marianne Ellegaard
Hendra Y. Agustian
author_sort Filis Necip
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Technological Literacy (TL) is crucial in Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) for navigating the evolving Healthcare 4.0 landscape. This study explores TL’s conceptualization, operationalization, and implications for BLS education and practice. Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study examined BLS curricula from University Colleges in Denmark. The research employed an explanatory sequential design, starting with quantitative data from questionnaires distributed to recent BLS graduates to identify trends and gaps. This was followed by qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into these findings. Results The study finds a strong focus on application-oriented technology in BLS education. It identifies challenges such as curricular constraints, limited exposure to emerging trends, and the need for critical thinking skills. Recommendations include integrating critical thinking, ethical considerations, and experiential learning opportunities for supporting TL in BLS education. The research highlights the impact of hands-on experiences and authentic learning environments on student engagement with TL and stresses the importance of educator competencies, advocating for ongoing teacher training and professional development. Conclusion This study highlights the need for BLS programs to bridge theory and practice, emphasizing TL, hands-on learning, and faculty expertise. A comprehensive approach, integrating technical, ethical, and interdisciplinary skills, is essential to prepare graduates for a technology-driven healthcare landscape. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1472-6920
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publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher BMC
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series BMC Medical Education
spelling doaj-art-8bb03436ce82445db462022c97ded4b02025-08-20T04:03:06ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-07-0125111410.1186/s12909-025-07639-0Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectivesFilis Necip0Henriette Lorenzen1Camilla Christine Qvist2Marianne Ellegaard3Hendra Y. Agustian4Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet)University College CopenhagenDepartment of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet)University College CopenhagenDepartment of Science Education, Faculty of Science, University of CopenhagenAbstract Background Technological Literacy (TL) is crucial in Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) for navigating the evolving Healthcare 4.0 landscape. This study explores TL’s conceptualization, operationalization, and implications for BLS education and practice. Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study examined BLS curricula from University Colleges in Denmark. The research employed an explanatory sequential design, starting with quantitative data from questionnaires distributed to recent BLS graduates to identify trends and gaps. This was followed by qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into these findings. Results The study finds a strong focus on application-oriented technology in BLS education. It identifies challenges such as curricular constraints, limited exposure to emerging trends, and the need for critical thinking skills. Recommendations include integrating critical thinking, ethical considerations, and experiential learning opportunities for supporting TL in BLS education. The research highlights the impact of hands-on experiences and authentic learning environments on student engagement with TL and stresses the importance of educator competencies, advocating for ongoing teacher training and professional development. Conclusion This study highlights the need for BLS programs to bridge theory and practice, emphasizing TL, hands-on learning, and faculty expertise. A comprehensive approach, integrating technical, ethical, and interdisciplinary skills, is essential to prepare graduates for a technology-driven healthcare landscape. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07639-0Technological literacyCurriculumBiomedical laboratory scienceHealth educationQuality education
spellingShingle Filis Necip
Henriette Lorenzen
Camilla Christine Qvist
Marianne Ellegaard
Hendra Y. Agustian
Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
BMC Medical Education
Technological literacy
Curriculum
Biomedical laboratory science
Health education
Quality education
title Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
title_full Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
title_fullStr Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
title_short Technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education: a mixed-methods study of curricula and student perspectives
title_sort technological literacy in biomedical laboratory science education a mixed methods study of curricula and student perspectives
topic Technological literacy
Curriculum
Biomedical laboratory science
Health education
Quality education
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07639-0
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AT camillachristineqvist technologicalliteracyinbiomedicallaboratoryscienceeducationamixedmethodsstudyofcurriculaandstudentperspectives
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