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Errors by surgical pathologists in India: results of a questionnaire survey
1Manipal Hospital, Airport Road, Bangalore 560017, Karnataka, India. s_pai@vsnl.com
Background:
Data from the United Kingdom show that most surgical pathologists are aware of about one serious mistake in their reports every year. There are no corresponding data from India or the developing world. I made an attempt to determine the rate of error made by Indian pathologists.
Methods:
A postal questionnaire was sent to 96 pathologists and 71 clinicians in different cities. The questions included some related to their experience with error in histopathology, as well as a few on the respondents' views on the legal and ethical aspects in the case of medical error.
Results:
Fifty pathologists and 47 clinicians responded. Of the evaluable responses, 32 pathologists were aware of 86 errors in the past 5 years, while 30 clinicians recalled 162 errors. Most mistakes that pathologists remembered were cases related to lymphoid disease (n = 15) while for clinicians, gastrointestinal tract (n = 12) and lymphoid tissue (n = 9) were common sites of error. Benign-malignant errors were the most common type of error.
Conclusion:
The discrepancy between the rates of error between the two groups suggests that better pathologist-clinician communication is required. Medical councils and related governing bodies should consider introducing a quality control programme for anatomic pathology.
Insights
Indian pathologists report fewer errors than clinicians recall, highlighting a need for improved communication and quality control in histopathology. This study investigates error rates in India.
Area of Science:
- Medical error analysis
- Pathology and laboratory medicine
- Healthcare quality improvement
Background:
- Surgical pathology error rates are well-documented in the UK but not in India.
- Understanding error rates in developing countries is crucial for quality assurance.
- This study addresses the lack of data on histopathology errors in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of error in histopathology reports made by Indian pathologists.
- To compare pathologist-reported errors with clinician-recalled errors.
- To explore legal and ethical perspectives on medical errors.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 96 pathologists and 71 clinicians across India.
- Respondents were asked about their experience with histopathology errors and views on medical error.
- Data on error frequency, types, and affected sites were collected.
Main Results:
- 32 pathologists reported 86 errors in 5 years; 30 clinicians recalled 162 errors.
- Lymphoid disease was the most common error site for pathologists; clinicians cited gastrointestinal and lymphoid tissues.
- Benign-malignant misclassification represented the most frequent error type.
Conclusions:
- A significant discrepancy exists between pathologist-reported and clinician-recalled errors, indicating communication gaps.
- Enhanced pathologist-clinician communication is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Implementing quality control programs in anatomic pathology is recommended for Indian medical bodies.
