Pathologists' Assistants in Nontraditional Roles: Uncovering the Hidden Value in Your Laboratory.

Abstract

Pathologists' assistants (PathAs) have been involved in the traditional roles of macroscopic examination ("grossing"), frozen sections, and autopsy since the profession was developed in the 1970s as a response to the perceived workforce shortage in pathology. Additionally, PathAs are well suited for nontraditional roles in the laboratory, but are often underused in these roles because a PathA's value is easier to see in traditional roles. To describe the nontraditional roles PathAs are involved in and how PathAs in these roles bring value to pathologists, patients, and health care organizations. Literature about PathAs was reviewed, and interviews with pathologists and PathAs in nontraditional roles were conducted. PathAs are capable of handling a wide range of nontraditional roles in the pathology laboratory. Using PathAs to the full extent of their knowledge, skills, and interests will bring value to pathology practices, PathAs, organizations, and patients through increased quality of care, saved pathologist time, higher revenues, and improved department reputation. Using PathAs in these roles also has the potential to evolve pathology practices and the PathA profession.