K Nestler1, T Gradistanac, C Wittekind. 1. Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study of autopsies performed in our institute was to investigate whether clinical requirements had been met and specific clinical questions answered. METHOD: With each autopsy report, a questionnaire was sent to the clinic where the patient had died. The clinicians evaluated how often additional diagnoses were made and whether these were clinically relevant. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of all autopsies resulted in further diagnoses. Clinicians estimated that these could have influenced their clinical management in 36% of cases. Weaknesses in interdisciplinary cooperation were uncovered and solved. CONCLUSION: The great benefit of the autopsies conducted in our institute was demonstrated. The results emphasise once again the importance of autopsy for quality assurance in clinical medicine.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study of autopsies performed in our institute was to investigate whether clinical requirements had been met and specific clinical questions answered. METHOD: With each autopsy report, a questionnaire was sent to the clinic where the patient had died. The clinicians evaluated how often additional diagnoses were made and whether these were clinically relevant. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of all autopsies resulted in further diagnoses. Clinicians estimated that these could have influenced their clinical management in 36% of cases. Weaknesses in interdisciplinary cooperation were uncovered and solved. CONCLUSION: The great benefit of the autopsies conducted in our institute was demonstrated. The results emphasise once again the importance of autopsy for quality assurance in clinical medicine.
Authors: Ardawan J Rastan; Jan F Gummert; Nicole Lachmann; Thomas Walther; Dierck V Schmitt; Volkmar Falk; Nico Doll; Paul Caffier; Markus M Richter; Christian Wittekind; Friedrich W Mohr Journal: J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 5.209
Authors: C Tennstedt; P Hufnagl; T N Nguyen-Dobinsky; R Chaoui; R Bollmann; M Urban; H Körner; S Tietz; P Tietz; M Dietel Journal: Pathologe Date: 1997-11 Impact factor: 1.011