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Clinicians are from Mars and pathologists are from Venus
S M Powsner1, J Costa, R J Homer
1Department of Psychiatry and Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., USA.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|July 11, 2000
Summary
Pathologists and surgeons face a communication gap, with surgeons misunderstanding reports 30% of the time. Report clarity is crucial for preventing medical errors and improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Pathology Reporting
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pathology reports are vital for medical decision-making but often lack clarity.
- Report completeness is prioritized over comprehension, risking medical errors.
- Increasing report dissemination online broadens the audience, exacerbating comprehension issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess clinician comprehension versus pathologist intent in written pathology reports.
- To identify factors influencing the understanding of pathology reports by surgeons.
Main Methods:
- Surgical pathology reports of varying complexity were selected.
- Questionnaires were administered to surgical physicians and trainees.
- Open-book examinations were used to assess report comprehension.
Main Results:
- Surgeons demonstrated a 30% misunderstanding rate of pathology reports.
- Clinical experience mitigated but did not resolve comprehension issues.
- Simplified report formats paradoxically increased misunderstandings.
Conclusions:
- A significant communication gap exists between pathologists and surgeons.
- Familiarity with report format and clinical experience improve understanding.
- Stylistic report enhancements can hinder comprehension, necessitating further research to reduce medical errors.
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