Laboratory tests, interpretation, and use of resources: a program to introduce the basics

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Pathology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Overuse of laboratory testing strains healthcare finances in Canada.
• A significant portion of laboratory tests ordered are unnecessary.
• Current Canadian family physician residency curricula lack mandatory laboratory training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To educate family medicine residents on the appropriate and efficient utilization of laboratory tests.
• To address deficiencies in laboratory medicine training within residency programs.

Main Methods:

• A 4-hour small group session curriculum was developed and delivered.
• Topics included laboratory testing issues, error sources, normal/abnormal results, requisition use, quality assurance, collection processes, and test costs.
• The program incorporated laboratory tours and didactic sessions.

Main Results:

• The program was well-received by family medicine residents.
• Participants demonstrated a substantial increase in self-assessed knowledge across the 7 curriculum topics.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully filled a critical gap in residency training.
• This initiative is expected to enhance residents' competency in judicious laboratory test selection.