Psychological stress of the laboratory workers in the venepuncture clinic, a problem of laboratory personnel

Abstract

Background  : Medical laboratory is a place where a number of specimens are collected and analyzed. A heavy workload to the laboratory workers can be expected. However, there is no previous report on the incidence of psychological stress of the laboratory workers in Thailand.

Objective : To assess the incidence of psychological stress of the laboratory workers

Design  : descriptive study

Setting : Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

Method : Here, the author assessed the incidence of psychological stress of the phlebotomists in the venepuncture clinic in a tertiary hospital by reviewing of the unit record and incidence report.

Results  : According to the reviewing, there are 9 incidents of 3 phlebotomists’ visiting to the psychiatrists (3 visits for each phlebotomist). All cases posed the psychological stress and presented rude behaviors as impolite speaking. In this study, 3 of 18 workers experience the stress giving the incidence rate equal to 17 %.

Discussion : The author hereby suggests for a concern on the mind of the laboratory workers. Also, program for relieving stress for the workers should be set.

Keywords : laboratory worker, stress