Patient safety and error reduction in surgical pathology.
BACKGROUND
National patient safety goals and error reduction efforts should be addressed by each surgical pathology laboratory.


OBJECTIVE
To review issues relevant to patient safety and error reduction in surgical pathology in the context of continuous quality improvement.


METHODS
The literature is reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient safety goals can and should be addressed within the context of a quality improvement plan. Multiple factors that contribute to errors in surgical pathology are discussed. The current literature defines the extent of these problems within specific segments of the test cycle (preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic). Potential solutions are presented that may reduce or avoid errors. In addition, general principles are outlined that enhance the laboratory's ability to successfully and continuously address patient safety and error reduction.
Nakhleh
Raouf E
RE
Department of Pathology, St Luke's Hospital/Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4201 Belfort Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, USA. Nakhleh.raouf@mayo.edu
D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011786:Quality Control; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*