The Pathology Report

Patient-Friendly Pathology Reporting

Patients can now view most pathology results as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record. But pathology reports have traditionally been written for clinicians, not patients. So how should pathology reporting evolve, and what does a truly patient-friendly report look like? In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ben Dessauvagie is joined by Julie Sherfan, clinical scientist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Kay Weng Choy, chemical pathologist and Pamela Robson from Pathology Tests Explained to answer these questions and explorethe benefits and challenges of patient-friendly pathology reporting. Using examples to illustrate real-world impact, the panel explores: * The importance of prioritising easy-to-understand language to help patients understand results. * The need to ensure the report includes enough commentary to adequately explain the clinical impact of results. * The challenges associated with complex anatomical pathology reports, and what changes may be necessary to improve clarity and reduce confusion. As the changes to My Health Record become the new norm, the panel share their insights on what the future of patient-friendly reporting might look like: * Reports meet the needs of both the patient and the clinician, with consideration given to graphical and visual options to communicate results. * Pathologists can empower patients with accessible information, ensuring they have some level of understanding of their results going into their consultation. * The pathology profession is working with rather than competing with AI to ensure patients can access accurate and authoritative information about their health. Episode links: * Pathology Tests Explained [https://ptex.au/] * Pathology Terminology and Information Standardisation (PTIS) Project [https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/PTIS] * AI Tool Pathology Information Assistant by Pathology Tests Explained [https://ptex.au/ai-assistant.php] RCPA members This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps: Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz [https://rcpa.me/The_Pathology_Report_S2Ep1_Quiz] Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you. Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report podcast so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast. The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network. Learn more about the RCPA at https://www.rcpa.edu.aurcpa.edu.au [https://www.rcpa.edu.au] and discover other shows in the network at https://www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networktalkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network [http://talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network].

Role of Pathology in Sepsis Detection and Management

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by A/Prof Octavia Peck Palmer, a clinical chemist and director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Dr Niti Dawar, a senior manager in medical and scientific affairs at Roche Diagnostics, and A/Prof Ken Sikaris, head of chemical pathology at Dorevitch Pathology for a focused discussion on the role of pathology in detecting and managing sepsis.   They take a look at the global and national burden of sepsis, highlighting mortality rates and the importance of early detection and go on to discuss how laboratories support early diagnosis through tailored test menus, rapid turnaround times, and actionable results. In examining the strengths and limitations of current biomarkers, such as CRP, procalcitonin, and interleukins, they highlight that the choice of biomarkers and laboratory strategy must be context-specific and adapted to the availability of local resources.   The episode also explores equity and access, considering differences between primary and tertiary care, the expanding role of point-of-care testing, and how AI and data integration may sharpen diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, the panel stresses the need for equitable testing practices, recognising the influence of social determinants of health and cautioning against misinterpreting race in laboratory reference intervals.   The discussion underscores the value of collaboration and clinician education, noting that successful sepsis management depends on close integration of laboratory capabilities, clinical decision making and emerging technologies. Together, our guests call for continued research, wider access to diagnostics and equity-minded practice to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.   RCPA Members This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps: * Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube * Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz [https://rcpa.me/TPR_S1_E11_MCQ] * Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you

Health, economics and ethics in genomics

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Kym Mina is joined by Prof Ainsley Newson, Professor of Bioethics at the University of Sydney, Dr Samantha Sundercombe, a genetic pathologist at Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, and A/Prof Ilias Goranitis, head of economics of genomics and precision medicine at the University of Melbourne, to discuss the complexities relating to health, economics and ethics in the field of genomics.   In a wide-ranging discussion, our guests reflect on the role of bioethics in pathology practice and unpack the ethical dilemmas involved in reproductive genetics, where reproductive autonomy must be balanced against the constraints generated through expanding genomic testing. They also explore the tension between technological advancement and patient demand, and how these pressures raise significant ethical questions.   A/Prof Goranitis highlights the contribution of health economics, noting that genomics delivers benefits far beyond traditional health outcomes, while the panel examines issues of equity and funding, and the importance of ensuring fair access to testing. The discussion touches on the practical realities of laboratory policy making, where individual patient needs must be balanced with standardised practices.   They conclude that people need to engage with the ethical, economic and clinical challenges at the heart of genomics, and to consider how these forces are shaping the future of healthcare.   RCPA Members This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps: * Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube * Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz [https://rcpa.me/TPR_S1_E10_MCQ] * Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network. Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au [https://www.rcpa.edu.au] and discover other shows in the network at https://www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networktalkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network [http://talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network].

Pathology Stewardship

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by Prof Caitlin Keighley, a microbiologist and infectious diseases physician at Southern IML Pathology in Wollongong, to discuss the vital yet often misunderstood role of pathology stewardship in healthcare.   They explore what stewardship looks like in real-world practice and how it shapes patient care. Prof Keighley defines pathology stewardship as “doing the right test for the right patient at the right time,” emphasising that the ultimate goal is better outcomes, not just cost savings. Together, Prof Keighley and Dr Gassiep debate this tension between cost and clinical value, the role of electronic decision support systems in test ordering and the challenges of balancing efficiency with issues such as alert fatigue and workflow disruption, particularly for junior doctors and GPs.   Prof Keighley examines the issue of selective reporting in microbiology, where limiting the antibiotics displayed on lab reports can help reduce resistance, citing some Australian examples that are showing its real-world impact.   The podcast highlights the practical realities of stewardship, from clashes between test rejection rules and rural healthcare needs to the question of whether technology simplifies decision-making or complicates it. It concludes with reflections on Australia’s strong governance and regulatory frameworks, and how the country consistently delivers high-quality health outcomes at a relatively low per-capita spend on pathology and medicines.   RCPA Members This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps: * Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube * Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz [https://rcpa.me/TPR_S1_E9_MCQ] * Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network. Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au [https://www.rcpa.edu.au] and discover other shows in the network at https://www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networktalkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network [http://talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network].

Evidence in pathology

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host A/Prof Daniel Owens is joined by forensic pathologists Dr Jack Garland, Dr Stephen Wills and Dr Hans de Boer to explore how evidence in forensic pathology is interpreted, presented and examined. Our guests share personal insights into what it's like to provide expert opinions in legal and courtroom contexts. In discussing the practical realities of forensic evidence interpretation and the professional responsibilities of expert witnesses, they highlight the importance of remaining grounded and being honest about their limitations. The key, they say, is to help courts to make informed decisions based on the evidence, while carefully navigating the complex and often unrealistic expectations of the legal system. This podcast provides information for pathologists, laboratory scientists and other clinicians involved in medicolegal practice and tackles some important questions: * How do you distinguish between evidence and opinion? * What is the role of empirical evidence? * How do you define ‘evidence robustness’? * How do you handle courtroom testimony challenges? * What is the impact of the media on forensics? * What is the influence of experience? * How do you deal with complex case scenarios? RCPA Members This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps: * Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube * Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz [https://rcpa.me/TPR_S1_E8_MCQ] * Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network. Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au [https://www.rcpa.edu.au] and discover other shows in the network at https://www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networktalkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network [http://talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network].