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 clinicianpathologist 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.
