Self-guided instructional materials in the physician office laboratory

The effectiveness of systematically designed print-based materials in teaching (a) knowledge of laboratory tests and (b) laboratory test skills to laboratory staff in small office practices was measured. Self-guided packets on Gram stain performance and interpretation, rapid streptococcal testing, and vaginal wet preparations were developed by a multidisciplinary team. A total of 21 staff members (14 treatment, 7 control) in 12 family practice offices with three or fewer physicians participated in the study. A posttest-only control group design was used to determine the effects of using the self-guided instructional packets. The treatment group, in relation to the control, scored significantly higher on tests of knowledge for all packets, demonstrated no difference in scores for Gram stain or streptococcal test skills, and scored significantly higher for identification of elements in photographs of vaginal wet preparations. Results affirmed both the usefulness and limitations of print-based instruction for knowledge level outcomes. For developing laboratory test skills additional forms of instruction are needed.