Keywords: Higher medical education; Professional training; Medical microbiology; Microbiological diagnosis; Rationality
Introduction
Microbiological diagnostic investigations constitute the
examinations, techniques, tests, analytical procedures, which are
carried out by the microbiology laboratory staff in a standardized
manner to quickly and accurately offer information regarding the
presence or absence of a microbial agent causing an infectious
condition, as well as the results related to in vitro resistance tests
against antimicrobials [1]. Its application varies depending on the
clinical syndrome and the type of agent being considered, so its
optimal use, in the author’s opinion, implies the dynamic interaction
of three factors: the existence of quality medical care, expertise in
the laboratory execution and the effective doctor-laboratory staff
relationship. It is the responsibility of the attending physician to
deal with patients with clinical pictures suggestive of an infectious
disease, to make presumptive diagnoses, indicate microbiological
diagnostic investigations and initiate treatments. He requests how
and when to collect the samples, informs the laboratory of the
patient’s history of antibiotic therapy and interpreting the results.
The benefits of the rational use of the microbiological resource
can be expressed in indicators such as: accurate diagnoses of
infectious diseases; the right one treatment of individual patients;
microbiological surveillance and control; increased quality of life;
environmental protection; optimal use of material and economic
resources; which today constitutes a social task not solved by the
medical sciences, since infectious diseases remain the leading
causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the planet [2].
Teaching-learning of microbiological diagnostic investigations
in the Medical career in Cuba, it is mainly consolidated through
the Medical microbiology and parasitology subject, included in the
Diagnostic Investigations discipline. However, in a study carried
out previously by the authors at the University of Medical Sciences
of Holguin [3], it was found that the dynamics of the teachinglearning
process of the subject does not favor students to apply the
contents related to the rational use of microbiological diagnostic
investigations to their experiences. Consequently, the aspirations reflected in the professional model, regarding to the resolution of
problems of the profession in which biological agents intervene
by applying rationality, are not specified from the treatment of the
objectives of this matter. In the same research, numerous limitations
were determined regarding the degree of student application
of actions that contribute to the rational use of microbiological
diagnostic investigations in the setting of educational activities at
work, related to: the realization of the presumptive diagnosis of a
disease infectious in both second and sixth year students, with a
greater contribution provided by those in the first group; problems
in the optimal identification of the required microbiological
diagnostic investigations; the orientation of the sample collection;
communication with the patient and laboratory personnel; and the
interpretation of laboratory results [3].
Regarding to the topic discussed, it should be noted that the
economic planning of our country prioritizes the consolidation of
the teaching and use of the clinical and epidemiological method so
that they contribute to the rational use of technological means for
the diagnosis and treatment of diseases [4]. In this sense, Martínez
Y [5] points out that the optimal use of technological resources
during the diagnosis of nosocomial diseases, favors the consequent
reduction of the economic burden that they represent for hospitals,
at the same time that it contributes to the improvement of the quality
of life of patients. The above agree with the report of Djulbegovic B,
Elqayam S and Dale W [6], who assure that current medical care
continues to be characterized by poor results, largely due to the
excessive/under use of health and medical services resources.
According to the findings of the study carried out by previous
researchers, suboptimal decisions are considered the main cause
of death and are responsible for more than 80% of health expenses.
Final Considerations
It is considered that the correct action, exercise and rationalization, is the main tool of science to solve specific problem situations. A deep analysis of the current facts, leads to the identification of theoretical and methodological limitations, as an element that reduces the possibilities of assuming a systematized and contextualized process of professional training of doctors regarding to the optimal use of microbiological diagnostic investigations. In this sense, the scant didactic treatment given to the logic of the formative dynamics in this particular case is also considered a significant weakness. In order to solve this reality, it is essential to improve the epistemological basis of the teachinglearning of the Medical microbiology and parasitology subject with the aim to promote the optimal use of the organizational forms of teaching and the use of methods and means that favor the training of a professional at the height of contemporaneity.
Acknowledgment
All the authors wish to express their deep gratitude to the Financial and Editorial offices of the Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) for the complete financing of this paper.
Competing Interests
The authors do not declare competing interest.
Author’s contribution
All authors have actively participated in the writing and critical review of the final version of the scientific text that supports the present research.
References
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- Serrano GL, Serrano GL, Rodríguez AJ (2020) New perspective for the teaching-learning of the microbiological diagnostic investigations in Medical career. Rev Panorama Cuba y Salud 15(3): 108-109.
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- (2015) Ministry of Public Health. Diagnostic Investigation discipline program, Curriculum D. National Commission of Medical career. Havana, Cuba.
- Martínez Y (2017) Impact of health care associated infections on the cost and quality of medical care at the Holguin Provincial Pediatric Hospital in the period 2012-2016. Thesis, University of Holguin, Cuba.
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