Abstract
Khromova and Gray's article regarding the learning needs in clinical biochemistry for doctors in foundation years (Ann Clin Biochem 2008;
There is no research that quantitatively assesses this subjective opinion of knowledge apart from that into the effect of problem-based learning.
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Medical students taught by problem-based learning have perceived deficiencies in their knowledge of basic sciences. In addition, there is little research into whether the recommendations of the General Medical Council
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are upheld and what impact such deficiencies in knowledge have on patient care. If deficiencies in knowledge and lack of interpretational skills are an issue, then junior doctors should at least be aware of the availability of senior support not only from their own teams but also from the laboratory departments providing the results. In an Editorial accompanying the article (Ann Clin Biochem 2008;
We undertook a questionnaire-based survey to ascertain levels of confidence in the interpretation and knowledge of biochemistry service provision in our hospital. We sent a questionnaire to 97 foundation and specialty trainee doctors – 46% responded. Most (73%) of our junior doctors, who have the main responsibility for requesting and interpreting biochemical tests, have only moderate or limited confidence in doing so. Junior doctors were also unaware of the availability of clinical advice (38% unaware of advice available during normal working hours, 85% unaware of 24 hours advisory service). Most (76%) were unaware of where to find information relevant to their daily working need and would ring the laboratory for such information, thus increasing workload for the reception staff.
We implemented several strategies to increase hospital doctors' awareness of the services available. It was felt that the link to our intranet website was difficult to locate and this may have contributed to underusage. We placed the intranet link on the desktop of all networked hospital computers and demonstrated the site at a grand round meeting held for all doctors working in the hospital. This was well-received and good feedback was gained including the finding that people did not know our website existed, but would definitely use it from then on.
We presented the survey findings at another medical meeting within the hospital, highlighting the problems, and we explained the service provided and availability of clinical advice. We produced an information leaflet aimed at all doctors working within the hospital describing the Directorate of Pathology including contact information for all pathology consultants, details of out of hours services and advice on how to access results and information about the intranet site. In addition, all printed laboratory reports give phone numbers for immediate access to the duty biochemist for advice.
In conclusion, we believe that it is important to raise junior doctors' awareness of the availability of senior laboratory medical and scientific staff for advice on optimal use of the biochemistry laboratory service.