QUANTITATIVE AUDIT OF THE CONTENT OF HISTOPATHOLOGY REPORTS

An audit of histopathology reports presents the problem that the outpu t is textual and difficult to quantify. This makes the definition of a n adequate report subjective and susceptible to observer variation. A procedure has been developed which allows the quantitative analysis of reports and facilitates the development of local reporting guidelines . A topic is selected; the auditor then lists the possible details tha t may be included in the report and notes how many reports from a samp le include each detail. The results are discussed at a departmental me eting with the aim of agreeing on reporting guidelines. At a later dat e another sample of reports can be analysed for compliance with the gu idelines and compared with the previous reports. Problems with complia nce can be discussed further and at the audit meeting the guidelines m ay be amended appropriately, thus completing the audit cycle. This met hod of audit has the advantage that the results are quantitative and t hat the group discussion and re-examination of the guidelines has educ ational value.