Review of a consultant microbiologist's work practice—an audit

摘要

Little is known about the exact functions and role of the consultant microbiologist, whose post in most district general hospitals (DGH) is single handed. The work pattern is not as "visible" as surgery or medicine, and therefore remains, in the main, unnoticed by all, including management. The different functions of the consultant microbiologist are inextricably linked and although there are no defined methods of assessing the various aspects, the components can be identified as separate entities. The job of a consultant microbiologist usually includes at least three major components: (1) management of infection, which includes the clinical interpretation of relevant laboratory results; (2) hospital infection control and maintenance of quality and standards of patient care; and (3) overall management of the laboratory budget, appropriate clinical use of the laboratory facilities, and production of clinically relevant and accurate results. Education, both formal and informal, is an important component of all the above aspects; however, in a university or teaching Hospital, it may account for a proportion. This audit was prepared following a request from management.