Improving the quality of processing gastric cancer specimens: the pathologist's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
Research into surgeon and pathologist knowledge of guidelines for lymph node (LN) assessment in gastric cancer demonstrated a knowledge deficit. To understand factors affecting optimal assessment we surveyed pathologists to identify external barriers.


METHODS
Pathologists were identified using two Ontario physician databases and surveyed online or by mail, with a 40% response rate.


RESULTS
The majority (56%) of pathologists stated assessing an additional five LNs would not be a burden. Most (80%) pathologists disagreed with pay for performance for achieving quality standards. Qualitative analysis determined the majority of pathologists believed achieving quality standards was inherent to their profession and should not require incentives. Poor surgical specimen was identified as a barrier and underscores the importance of aiming quality improvement initiatives at the multidisciplinary team.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to education, tailoring an intervention to address all barriers, including laboratory constraints may be an effective means of improving gastric cancer care.
Mahar
Alyson L
AL
Centre for Health Services Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Qureshi
Alia P
AP
Ottensmeyer
C Andrea
CA
Chetty
Runjan
R
Pollett
Aaron
A
Coburn
Natalie G
NG
Wright
Frances C
FC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*