Joint clinical and pathological review meetings improve patient care: a prospective evaluation in dermatology.
BACKGROUND
Joint clinical and pathological review meeting exists in most academic dermatology departments.


OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of the joint clinical and pathological review meeting in dermatology on patient care.


METHODS
Prospective descriptive study over 6 months (May to October 2008) on all clinical cases of dermatology reviewed at the joint clinical and pathological review meeting in our University Hospital.


RESULTS
A total of 139 cases were reviewed during the 6-month period. In 97 cases (69.8%), the joint clinical and pathological review meeting had a positive impact on final diagnosis and/or on patient management. For 27 cases, a consensus diagnosis different from the initial proposal was established. In 21 cases, the joint clinical and pathological review meeting led to additional investigations or therapeutic proposals. The impact of the joint clinical and pathological review meeting was highest for inflammatory skin diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
The joint clinical and pathological review meeting is a useful procedure to improve diagnostic accuracy in difficult cases.
Department of Dermatology, Paul-Sabatier University, Larrey University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
I
I
Gardinal-Galera
C
C
Bulai Livideanu
L
L
Lamant
R
R
Viraben
N
N
Meyer
J
J
Mazereeuw-Hautier
A
A
Maza
S
S
Prey
M
M
Nespoulous
C
C
Paul
D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D018024:Peer Review, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*