Use and usefulness of laboratory handbooks

The aim of this study was to investigate how reference handbooks distributed by hospital laboratories are used by medical doctors, and to what extent this kind of information can influence or change doctors' work habits. We also wanted to see if books with various contents of information are valued differently by the users, and we asked for preferences for an ideal book. A questionnaire was sent to 2075 medical doctors served by five Norwegian hospital laboratories. The overall response rate was 66%, of whom 76% had received a handbook. Seventy-eight percent of respondents who stated that they had received a handbook kept it in their consulting room and 45% used it once or more weekly. The majority (89%) found the books beneficial in their everyday work. Many doctors (36%) claimed that they had changed their routines as a result of the information in the book. The way of interpreting test results was influenced most often, followed by indications for ordering laboratory tests, sample collection and specimen handling, and patient preparation. Nearly all respondents (97%) felt that handbooks of this kind are beneficial to their technical and nursing staff. The results show that handbooks distributed by medical laboratories are well received, frequently used and highly appreciated by medical doctors. Comprehensive books are rated higher than smaller books.