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Addressing the Diagnostic Miscommunication in Pathology
Lorna Mirham1,2, Jessica Hanna3, George M Yousef1,4
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Objectives:
The pathology report serves as a crucial communication tool among a number of stakeholders. It can sometimes be challenging to understand. A communication barrier exists among pathologists, other clinicians, and patients when interpreting the pathology report, leaving both clinicians and patients less empowered when making treatment decisions. Miscommunication can lead to delays in treatment or other costly medical interventions.
Methods:
In this review, we highlight miscommunication in pathology reporting and provide potential solutions to improve communication.
Results:
Up to one-third of clinicians do not always understand pathology reports. Several causes of report misinterpretation include the use of pathology-specific jargon, different versions of staging or grading systems, and expressions indicative of uncertainty in the pathologist's report. Active communication has proven to be crucial between the clinician and the pathologist to clarify different aspects of the pathology report. Direct communication between pathologists and patients is evolving, with promising success in proof-of-principle studies. Special attention needs to be paid to avoiding inaccuracy while trying to simplify the pathology report.
Conclusions:
There is a need for active and adequate communication among pathologists, other clinicians, and patients. Clarity and consistency in reporting, quantifying the level of confidence in diagnosis, and avoiding misnomers are key steps toward improving communications.
Insights
Pathology reports can be difficult to understand, leading to miscommunication among doctors and patients. Improving clarity, consistency, and direct communication is essential for better treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Pathology Reporting
Background:
- Pathology reports are vital communication tools but often present understanding challenges.
- Communication barriers between pathologists, clinicians, and patients can hinder treatment decisions and lead to medical errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review miscommunication issues in pathology reporting.
- To propose solutions for enhancing communication effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on communication barriers in pathology.
- Analysis of factors contributing to report misinterpretation.
Main Results:
- Up to 33% of clinicians experience difficulties understanding pathology reports.
- Jargon, varying staging systems, and uncertainty expressions contribute to misinterpretation.
- Active communication and direct pathologist-patient interaction show promise.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced communication among pathologists, clinicians, and patients is necessary.
- Key improvements include report clarity, consistency, quantified diagnostic confidence, and avoiding misnomers.
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