Review of the clinical activity of medical microbiologists in a teaching hospital

Background-The clinical interactive role of medical microbiologists has bee n underestimated and the discipline is perceived as being confined to the l aboratory. Previous studies have shown that most microbiology interaction t akes place over the telephone. Aim-To determine the proportion of clinical ward based and laboratory based telephone interactions and specialties using a microbiology service. Methods-Clinical microbiology activity that took place during November 1996 was prospectively analysed to determine the distribution of interactions a nd specialties using the service. Results-In all, 1177 interactions were recorded, of which nearly one third (29%) took place at the bedside and 23% took place on call. Interactions in volving the intensive treatment unit, general ward visits, and communicatio n of positive blood cultures and antibiotic assays were the main areas of a ctivity identified. There were 147 visits to 86 patients on the general war ds during the study, with the number of visits to each individual varying f rom one to eight. The need for repeated visits reflected the severity of th e underlying condition of the patients. Ward visits were regarded as essent ial to obtain missing clinical information, to assess response to treatment , and to make an appropriate entry in a patient's notes. Conclusions-Ward visits comprise a significant proportion of clinical micro biology interactions and have potential benefits for patient management, se rvice utilisation, and education.