Audit of plastic surgeonsʹ understanding of pathology reports of skin neoplasia

This audit was set up to investigate Plastic Surgeonsʹ perception of minimum standards of reporting of skin neoplasia at the time of publication of the Royal College of Pathologistsʹ guidelines. Eight histopathology case reports of skin neoplasia were formulated; four had the minimum information required and four had vital information omitted. Surgeons were asked to evaluate and suggest management. Marks were allocated for awareness of substandard reporting and for patient management. Forty-three out of 60 questionnaires were returned. Consultants had a significantly higher total score compared to the other grades (p<0.05). A high knowledge score was correlated with a high management score. However, awareness of minimum data was relatively poor across all grades. The majority of participants themselves were unaware of the new guidelines (38/43). Awareness of the guidelines and increased understanding of basic pathology should correct these weaknesses.