The skin biopsy care process is prone to communication failures. We sought to solicit dermatopathologists about their opinions on the quality of clinical information provided in the requisition form (RF) that accompanies skin specimens and their suggestions on how to improve the process.
A self-administered survey of the membership of the American Society of Dermatopathology was performed. Qualitative methods were used to analyze free-text comments.
Of 1,102 participants, 153 completed the final question in the survey (response rate 14%). Respondent opinions fell into four critical themes: (1) quality of clinical information in the RF and adequacy of biopsy specimens, (2) training of residents and nondermatologist providers, (3) information transfer via electronic medical records, and (4) practice constraints.
Dermatopathologists communicated that missing clinical information in the RF and inadequate specimens are common and adversely affect the quality of care. Multiple provider- and practice-related factors contribute to communication failures and deserve further investigation.