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

• Published in: Brazilian oral research 2022, Vol.36, p.e008-e008
• Main Authors: Pérez-DE-Oliveira, Maria Eduarda, Heerden, Willie van, Motta, Ana Carolina Fragoso, Rodrigues-Fernandes, Carla Isabelly, Romañach, Mário José, Agostini, Michelle, Gueiros, Luiz Alcino Monteiro, Vargas, Pablo Agustin, Lopes, Márcio Ajudarte, Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Prado, Brandão, Thaís Bianca, Almeida, Oslei Paes de, Khurram, Syed Ali, Santos-Silva, Alan Roger
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Communication; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Dentists; Diagnosis, Oral; Humans; Pathologists; Pathology, Oral; Patient-Centered Care
• ISSN: 1806-8324; 1807-3107; 1807-3107
• DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0008

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.