Quality of teaching in chemical pathology: ability of interns to order and interpret laboratory tests.
OBJECTIVE
There has been a steady decline in the overt teaching of many basic and pathology sciences in the medical curriculum worldwide. As interns are the doctors most likely to request and act on tests, an assessment of their confidence in dealing with laboratory investigations was undertaken.


METHODS
Interns at two hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa, were asked to complete a structured questionnaire designed to assess their confidence in ordering and interpreting a number of tests. The questionnaire also probed their desire for further teaching and the preferred delivery vehicle for such teaching.


CONCLUSIONS
61 out of 117 questionnaires were returned. Interns were confident in the use of common tests, but 23% were not confident in interpreting a test that they were confident in ordering. All respondents felt they would benefit from teaching in at least one area and lectures were the preferred method, although the majority felt it very likely that they would complete an online tutorial if available. The results suggest that institutions need to devise strategies to fulfil the learning needs of new graduates in the area of chemical pathology and clinical biochemistry.
Stanfliet
J C
JC
Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town and National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.
Macauley
J
J
Pillay
T S
TS
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001671:Biochemistry / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000592:standards*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000193:education*; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires