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Online survey of current autopsy practice
M J P Biggs1, L J R Brown, P N Furness
1Department of Histopathology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. mike.biggs@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|January 23, 2009
Summary
Practising pathologists find Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) autopsy guidelines challenging to meet due to time and resource constraints. Many believe coronial autopsy standards need clarification to align with current UK practice.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical Practice Standards
Background:
- The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) provides guidance on autopsy practices.
- Current pressures like time, cost, and the Human Tissue Act may impact adherence to these guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess practising pathologists' agreement with the perceived discrepancy between RCPath guidelines and daily practice.
- To gather suggestions for resolving these discrepancies.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was distributed to 1213 histopathologists in the UK.
- Data was collected from 406 respondents.
Main Results:
- A majority of pathologists agreed that RCPath guidelines exceed achievable standards in routine coronial autopsies.
- Concerns regarding time, resources, and examination/sampling limitations were confirmed.
- Only 45% supported separate RCPath guidelines for hospital (consent) versus medico-legal autopsies.
Conclusions:
- Current coronial autopsy conditions in the UK often prevent compliance with RCPath guidance.
- Disagreement exists on whether to lower standards, improve practice, or implement 'double standards'.
- Clarifying the objectives of coronial autopsies is essential for resolution.
