Quality improvement approaches. Survey of pathologists serving the pediatric patient

A questionnaire was circulated in 1990 by the Practice Committee of the Society for Pediatric Pathology to its membership to assess the involvement of pediatric pathology departments (PPDs) in quality improvement (QI) activities. Twenty-nine PPDs responded. Analysis of responses disclosed a wide variation in plans, although the majority (22 of 29) had developed or were in the process of developing (three of 29) a specific plan. The plans varied in sophistication and complexity. Pediatric pathologists (directors or designates) were heavily involved in assuming leadership roles for the QI activities in 25 of 28 PPDs. The PPDs with plans (25) had identified the QI indicators monitored either sporadically or on an ongoing basis. The respondents had several indicators in common, such as volume, technical, and clinical indicators, as well as indicators related to turnaround times, meetings, and internal and external consultations. The plurality of the monitors reported are related to indicators in the discipline of anatomic pathology. This review is therefore limited to QI issues in anatomic pediatric pathology. In conclusion, this survey functions to shed some light on the extent of involvement of PPDs in the management of QI. In addition, it provides a model for starting or improving the existing QI plans for PPDs.