Laboratory managers' perceptions of the impact of teaching on the clinical laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To determine managers' perceptions of the impact of teaching students on the clinical laboratory, including: productivity, costs, recruitment/new employee orientation, staff morale/attitude, and staff professionalism. Managers' views on responsibility for teaching and reasons for not having students were also determined. DESIGN: Written survey, randomized sampling. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred laboratory managers certified by the National Credentialing Agency. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed a forced-choice written survey consisting of demographic information and statements assessing the impact of teaching. RESULTS: Managers agreed with impact statements on professionalism, recruitment, and new employee orientation. They were also in agreement that clinical teaching is essential. Neutral responses were obtained for impact statements related to laboratory productivity, costs, and staff morale and attitude. Over 90% of respondents who presently had students or who had had students at one time indicated that they hired their graduates. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory managers understand the importance of clinical education and the benefits to recruitment, new employee orientation, and staff professionalism. Managers are undecided about the effects of teaching on laboratory costs and staff productivity.