Visual pathology reports for improved collaboration at multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board

Purpose: Multidisciplinary tumor boards (TB) are the standard for discussing complex head and neck cancer cases. During TB, imaging and microscopic pathology is reviewed, but there is typically no visualization of the resected cancer.

Methods: A pilot study was conducted to investigate the utility of visual pathology reports at weekly TB for 10 consecutive weeks. Faculty-level participants completed a pre-survey and post-survey to assess understanding of resected cancer specimens.

Results: Providers (n = 25) across seven medical specialties completed pre-survey and post-survey. Following intervention, providers reported significant improvement in understanding of anatomic orientation of the specimen and sites of margin sampling (mean 47.4-96.1, p < 0.001), ability to locate the site of a positive margin (mean 69.5-91.1, p < 0.001), and confidence in treatment plans created (mean 69.5-89.2, p < 0.001) with the addition of visual pathology reports.

Conclusions: Visual pathology reports improve provider understanding of resected cancer specimens at multidisciplinary TB.