Effect of staff attitudes on quality in clinical microbiology services

Abstract

Technical quality of the work of clinical pathology laboratories is monitored regularly by both internal and external sources. Among the factors that might affect quality, laboratory staff attitudes are rarely considered. In this study, the psychological concepts of 'job satisfaction' and 'climate' are measured among microbiology biomedical scientists in the United Kingdom. A self-report questionnaire was developed and distributed (between November 1998 and February 1999) to biomedical scientists in 161 microbiology laboratories throughout the UK From 2415 questionnaires distributed, 931 replies were received--a response rate of 39%. A separate set of questions covering customer service and participation in internal and external quality assurance schemes was sent to laboratory managers. Biomedical scientists reported lower job satisfaction than did medical technologists in a previous study in the USA. Perception of climate was influenced by several demographic factors, the most important of which being the size of the laboratory. Optimal number of staff in a department was found to be less than 30. Aggregation of climate scores from members of the same department showed that a positive laboratory climate was important for good performance in internal and external measures of technical quality. For the best service, laboratory climate must be supported by a staff perception that the department is committed to enhancing quality--a climate for laboratory quality.

The objective assessment of international collaboration between pathology laboratories

“…The study of work climate attempts to describe how people perceive their working environment, how those perceptions might have developed and whether they affect job satisfaction and performance at work. A model of ‘Perceived Work Environment’ was chosen for this study (Newman 1977) and a questionnaire used as developed by Pitt & Sands (2002). This model was used to map the development of distinct work climates among different pathology disciplines within a single organization and included variables such as ‘fringe benefits’ which may have an influence.…”

Microbiology service centralization: a step too far

“…It is already known that staff experience less job satisfaction in larger laboratories, illustrated by increased retirement and turnover of experienced biomedical scientists (BMS) and support staff. 6…”

“…It is known that staff attitudes affect quality in clinical microbiology services. 6 Contradictory policies and protocols create confusion and lead to irritation for clinical and BMS staff alike. Similarly, consultant responsibilities within a centralized network are not always clarified before amalgamation takes place.…”

“…The most important psychological consequence for a centralized network is potential loss of ownership and reduced morale for microbiologists and laboratory staff. 1,6 Experienced microbiologists know that off-site consultation is never as satisfactory as an on-site presence. The clinical service is a 'people business', meaning patients, colleagues, healthcare staff and others who all interact; it is not a factory with a production line.…”

Ruolo ed organizzazione della microbiologia clinica di domani

“…L'ambiente di lavoro risente sicuramente della tipologia e qualità di lavoro eseguito, del clima interno e delle prospettive professionali di coloro che vi lavorano. Alcuni recenti lavori di Ehrardt, Taggard, Pitt e Sands (8,28,23) evidenziano che negli Stati uniti c'è una vera e propria crisi di vocazioni per il lavoro in laboratorio in generale ed in Microbiologia in particolare. L'età media dei Microbiologi si aggira sui 50 anni, mancano operatori delle fasce di età più giovani che hanno maggiori affinità all'utilizzo dei computer e delle biotecnologie.…”