A Quality Improvement Intervention to Enhance Documentation on Histopathology Request Forms

Introduction Incomplete histopathology request form documentation can compromise diagnostic accuracy and delay patient management. This study aimed to assess and improve documentation completeness using a structured quality improvement approach. Methods A clinical audit was conducted at a tertiary care hospital using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. In the first audit cycle, 250 histopathology request forms were reviewed for completeness. Based on the findings, targeted interventions were implemented, including a standardized request form, clinician engagement, and improved accessibility to forms. A second audit cycle assessed 150 forms to evaluate the impact of these interventions. Results Significant improvements were observed across all documentation parameters. Clinical history documentation increased from 0% to 62%, while presenting complaints improved from 3.2% to 73%. Physical examination findings were recorded in 96% of cases compared to 73.6% initially, and radiological findings improved from 44.4% to 95%. Laboratory investigation results increased from 41.2% to 81%, while drug/medication history documentation rose from 6% to 48%. Specimen details also showed improvement, with biopsy time documentation increasing from 3.2% to 66% and provisional diagnosis documentation rising from 49.2% to 78%. Conclusion A structured quality improvement approach led to significant enhancements in documentation completeness. Ongoing audits, clinician training, and digital solutions are recommended for sustaining these improvements.