Knowledge, acceptability, and attitudes regarding minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) techniques in Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Diagnostics
• Forensic Pathology

Background:

• Accurate determination of cause of death is crucial for public health policy. In Brazil, complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) is essential for undefined deaths but faces implementation challenges.
• Minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) presents a potential alternative to CDA, offering a less invasive approach to ascertain the cause of mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore knowledge, acceptability, and attitudes towards CDA and MITS in Northeast Brazil.
• To assess the awareness and perceived barriers to MITS implementation among various population groups.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires distributed via snowball sampling.
• Participants included pathologists, non-pathologist physicians, other health professionals, medical students, and the general population (n=1,519).
• Statistical analysis involved Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests to compare groups.

Main Results:

• Widespread recognition of CDA importance (79.6%) and willingness to authorize it (67.0%).
• Low awareness of MITS (1.5%), with a strong belief that publicity would increase accessibility (83.4%).
• Physicians/pathologists noted MITS's lower cost and reduced hands-on time compared to CDA, identifying blood and liver as easiest organs for sampling.

Conclusions:

• MITS is largely unknown outside academic circles despite its potential as a complementary tool for cause of death determination in Brazil.
• Significant investment in training, standardized consent/conduct protocols, and culturally sensitive communication is vital for MITS adoption.
• Addressing the knowledge gap and logistical considerations is key to integrating MITS into the Brazilian public health system.