Geospatial insights: an analysis of a bullying prevention educational program in pathology laboratory medicine

The prevalence of mistreatment in the laboratory workforce is concerning. This study aimed to develop an antibullying course for laboratories and to pilot-test its effectiveness in improving knowledge, readiness for organizational change, and coping self-efficacy. In addition, it used geographic information system mapping to explore the geospatial distribution of bullying and course participation and to describe the program for potential implementation by other institutions.

An 8-module online course was developed for laboratory management and nonsupervisory staff, focusing on best practices to address incivility at the organizational and individual levels. Participants completed a pre-course assessment, including the Short Negative Acts Questionnaire and a pretest, before taking the course. The program's effectiveness was evaluated by comparing pre-course and post-course scores using paired sample t tests and geospatial analysis.

Of 127 laboratory professionals who completed the pre-course survey, 92 (72.4%) completed the bullying prevention course and post-course evaluation. More than half (55.1%) were classified as victims of workplace bullying, with regional analysis showing the highest bullying intensity in the West and Midwest regions that also showed contrasting course completion rates (85%-87% in the West vs <70% in the Midwest). Post-course assessment revealed statistically significant improvements in participants' knowledge (mean increase from 2.57 to 3.08, P < .001) and coping strategies (2.60-2.94, P < .001), supporting the course's efficacy. Most participants (77.2%) rated the course positively.

The issue is persistent and will require deliberate interventions. The piloted bullying prevention educational platform presented is promising and can be a foundation for future targeted educational interventions for pathology laboratories.