Diagnostic Support for the Surgical Patient: The Experiences and Challenges, As Seen by Practitioners in Resource-Poor Setting

Background: The input of laboratory medicine has no doubt improved surgical practice and will continue to impact positively on patient care. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of practitioners and diagnostic challenges if any, encountered in the care of surgical patients in Port Harcourt in the last quarter of year 2022. Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out among total population of consenting health workers (medical doctors, laboratory scientists / technologists, and technicians) in the Surgery and Diagnostic Services Departments in two teaching hospitals in Port Harcourt, using self-administered questionnaires. Data on experiences and challenges was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: The respondents had a male to female ratio of 1.3:1, mean age of 35.47 ± 8.44 years, mean years in practice of 7.58 ± 6.97 years, and 171 (98.3%) were Christians. One hundred and sixteen (66.7%) respondents were aware of delay in diagnostic services, in varying degrees. Lack of reagents (49 = 28.2%), inadequate personnel (18 = 10.3%), long processing time (15 = 8.6%) and poor electric power supply (9 = 5.2%) were the most common reasons for delay in diagnostic test results. Diagnostic challenges were highlighted, occurrence of medico-legal issues was reported, and solutions proffered. Conclusion: The professionals practicing in the diagnostic / surgical departments were aware and do experience delays in diagnostic test results and errors (reported by a few) that affects surgical services in our environment. Their experiences and challenges were highlighted and recommendations were made.