The perspectives of laboratory personnel on patients’ digital access to pathology reports : A qualitative study

Abstract: There is an international increase of patients’ access to medical information through digital patient portals. This has provided access to test results from different laboratories, including clinical pathology. Patients have reported several benefits with access to test results but there are concerns from clinicians over their ability to interpret and understand pathology reports independently. Research that has explored the perspectives of laboratory personnel in clinical pathology in this accessis lacking, who can provide further insights and potential risks and effects for the patients. The aim of this study is to examine the perspectives of pathologists and biomedical scientists in clinical pathology in relation to patients’ digital access to pathology reports through patient portals. Using a qualitative design twelve interviews were conducted with six pathologists and six biomedical scientists. The results was coded and analyzed using the qualitive computer analysis program Dedoose and a thematic analysis. The results showed a generally more negative attitude from pathologists and biomedical scientists towards patients’ access to pathology reports through patient portals. They believed patients needed further resources and support to interpret the pathology reports. Future research and implementation of this digital access should consider including laboratory personnel in clinical pathology as they can provide valuable insights for the resources needed for the interpretation of pathology reports.