Bioingeniøren (Feb 2020)
Learning processes and culture in the workplace
Abstract
Background: Failure in performing pre-analytical procedures correctly is recognized as the main reason for erroneous laboratory results. The aim of this study was to determine how medical staff at physician’s offices are trained in pre-analytical laboratory processes and to understand learning cultures in these workplaces. Method: Employees at three Norwegian medical centers, including a center accredited for taking patient samples, were interviewed in groups. The interviews were qualitative in nature and were recorded on a Dictaphone. Following transcription, the text was abstracted, structured, and categorized. Results and conclusions: Group interviews of the staff at physician’s offices indicates that information and guidelines regarding preanalytical recommendations are not always implemented in the routines. This may cause random informal learning and a strong culture of continuing as before. There is also a culture of not correcting others if one observes that a colleague doesn’t follow recommendations. Furthermore, the survey indicates that a center accredited for taking patient samples has more rigorous requirements for the use of procedures than staff in a physician’s office. This demonstrates the importance of critical and reflective thinking in informal learning settings, and how important the use of procedures can be to ensure correct performance, since informal learning can be random and inadequate.
