Brazilian Oral Research (Jan 2022)

The need for communication between clinicians and pathologists in the context of oral and maxillofacial diseases

  • Maria Eduarda PÉREZ-DE-OLIVEIRA,
  • Willie van HEERDEN,
  • Ana Carolina Fragoso MOTTA,
  • Carla Isabelly RODRIGUES-FERNANDES,
  • Mário José ROMAÑACH,
  • Michelle AGOSTINI,
  • Luiz Alcino Monteiro GUEIROS,
  • Pablo Agustin VARGAS,
  • Márcio Ajudarte LOPES,
  • Ana Carolina Prado RIBEIRO,
  • Thaís Bianca BRANDÃO,
  • Oslei Paes de ALMEIDA,
  • Syed Ali KHURRAM,
  • Alan Roger SANTOS-SILVA

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0008
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 36

Abstract

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Abstract Good communication between clinicians and pathologists is a vital element in the diagnostic process, and poor communication can adversely affect patient care. There is a lack of research about communication in diagnostic oral and maxillofacial pathology. This narrative review explores different aspects of the quality of communication between clinicians and oral pathologists, with a focus on the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases. An electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE through the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to April 2021. No studies reporting communication, its adequacy or the required skills between clinicians and pathologists in oral diagnosis were found. According to studies published in medicine, strategies for improving communication skills include clinician-pathologist collaboration; a well-formatted, clear and thorough report; training in communication skills; and patient-centered care. Further studies evaluating the current practices and quality in oral and maxillofacial pathology are required to identify barriers and encourage optimal communication to facilitate diagnosis, as well as patient safety.

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