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Published on: November 7, 2020
Opinion on Performing Pathology Peer-Review During the Global Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities
Renee R Hukkanen1, Armando Irizarry2, James D Fikes3
142372Eisai, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
Insights
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted toxicologic pathology peer reviews, necessitating remote work and adaptability. Implementing contingency plans is crucial for maintaining workflow continuity during unexpected transitions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicologic Pathology
- Pathology Peer Review
- Nonclinical Studies
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions to business operations, including toxicologic pathology.
- Restrictions such as site closures and travel limitations significantly impacted the practice of pathology peer review.
- Traditional methods of pathology peer review, like slide shipment or travel, became challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toxicologic pathology peer review processes.
- To emphasize the need for adaptability and contingency planning in toxicologic pathology workflows.
- To ensure the continuity of critical pathology peer review functions.
Main Methods:
- The abstract discusses the challenges faced by toxicologic pathologists due to pandemic-related restrictions.
- It reviews the traditional methods of pathology peer review and their limitations during the pandemic.
- The abstract emphasizes the shift towards remote work and the need for flexible approaches.
Main Results:
- Many pathologists experienced disruptions, with some working remotely for the first time.
- The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of traditional peer review methods to external restrictions.
- Adaptability became essential for maintaining the pace of toxicologic pathology work.
Conclusions:
- Contingency plans for pathology peer review procedures and personnel are essential.
- Enhanced adaptability in approaching peer reviews is critical for success.
- Proactive planning can mitigate disruptions caused by unexpected events like pandemics.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected business on numerous fronts in unprecedented and abrupt ways. From site closures and local "stay-at-home orders" to travel advisories and restrictions, the day-to-day practice of toxicologic pathology has been impacted dramatically and rapidly. A critical function of Toxicologic Pathologists is performing pathology peer review for nonclinical studies. Traditionally, corroborating the findings of histological assessment could be achieved through shipment of histopathological slides to the peer review pathologist, or by the peer review pathologist traveling to the location of the slides (eg, the test facility). Since early 2020, many pathologists have been unable to perform the latter due to local, regional, national, test facility, company, and/or personal restrictions. The disruption for some has been minimal, while others are working from home for the first time. We recommend that contingency plans for all peer review procedures and personnel should be in-place to accommodate sudden and unexpected workflow transitions. Now, more than ever, approaching peer reviews with enhanced adaptability will help ensure success.
