Pathology in Mission Hospitals

Abstract

A comprehensive survey of anatomic and clinical pathology practice in 385 mission hospitals in preponderantly third-world countries was conducted; 124 hospitals responded. Requested information included the (1) volume of surgical and cytology specimens and sources used for referral; (2) number of autopsies; (3) laboratory tests provided; (4) quality control; and (5) perceived problem areas and needs in missionary pathology as evaluated by mission physicians. The survey showed that few pathologists are directly involved in missionary medicine, that most hospitals refer their surgical and cytologic specimens elsewhere for evaluation, and that most hospitals provide basic laboratory tests performed with a minimum of automated equipment. Problem areas include instrument and reagent procurement, equipment maintenance, laboratory technician training, and funding. These problem areas are discussed as well as ways to improve the level of support in this discipline.