The Department of Anatomic pathology and forensic medicine of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has witnessed notable improvements in recent times, such as enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing turnaround time, and strengthening its role in patient care. According to Dr. Akpa Philip, a Consultant Pathologist, the department has acquired some new equipment including a microtome, employed additional resident doctors, and welcomed another consultant pathologist to its team, leading to faster histopathology, cytology and frozen section diagnosis. Histopathology results are now delivered within five to ten days instead of the previous two weeks or more. Cytology results are delivered in three days and frozen section diagnosis in 30 minutes.
In this interview, Dr. Philip discusses the department’s evolving role in cancer diagnosis, the importance of histology as the final arbiter in treatment decisions, measures to ensure quality assurance, and the need for further innovations and training to bolster its capabilities.
[Interview]
Q. What notable improvements have been made in the Department of Anatomic pathology and forensic medicine recently that have enhanced service delivery at JUTH?
A. The improvements have been numerous, including training of staff on improved service delivery, the recent acquisition of a new microtome , employment of new staff such as resident doctors, laboratory scientists, and one additional consultant pathologist.
Q. How has the turnaround time for biopsy and cytology results improved, and what impact has this had on patient management?
A. The turnaround time of biopsy samples has gradually improved over time. It used to be two weeks or more but has now been shortened to between five to ten days. The improved turnaround time enables faster decision-making, translating to better patient outcomes.
Q. Can you share an example of how the department’s diagnostic accuracy has contributed to successful patient outcomes?
A. The department has contributed successfully to patient outcomes in terms of speed and accuracy of diagnosis. For example histopathological diagnosis is needed as the final arbiter of diagnosis of any tumour or lesion. The speed of delivery of reports, therefore, translates to more prompt management of cases.
Q. What role does Histopathology play in supporting cancer diagnosis and treatment at JUTH, and how has that evolved in recent years?
A. The role of histopathology as the final arbiter in deciding what a lesion is before initiating treatment can not be over emphasised because without it, treatment will be done blindly. Over the years our laboratory has incorporated immunohistochemistry and frozen sections as part of our core services. Immunohistochemistry helps in adequately typing tumours and streamling treatment options while Frozen sections help in intraoperative decision making.
Q. How does your team ensure quality assurance and consistency in reporting, especially for critical or complex cases?
A. Updating of standard operating procedures, strict adherence to laid down SOPs, interface with regulatory bodies, and other laboratories have allowed us to improve and maintain standards.
Consistent interaction with professional colleagues and follow-up is ensured for quality and adequate treatment of critical or complex cases.
Q. Are there any current innovations, training programs, or collaborations that are helping to advance the department’s capabilities?
A. Our staff regularly attend update courses and training programs, which help them hone their skills and keep them up to date with the latest improvements in the field of pathology.
With these advancements, the Department of Anatomic pathology and forensic medicine at JUTH is not only improving patient outcomes but also reaffirming its critical role as the final authority in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Dr. Akpa Philip emphasizes that while progress has been made, continued investment in manpower, training, and innovation will be essential to sustain and build upon these gains.
GALLERY
