Raymond's paragraph systeman alternative format for the organization of gross pathology reports and its implementation in an academic teaching hospital

Annette S. Dayton, Jae Y. Ro, Mary R. Schwartz, Alberto G. Ayala, A. Kevin Raymond

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context.- Traditionally organized gross pathology reports, which are widely used in pathology resident and pathologists' assistant training programs, may not offer the most efficient method of communicating pertinent information to treating physicians. Instructional materials for teaching gross pathology dictation are limited and the teaching methods used are inconsistent. Raymond's Paragraph System, a gross pathology report formatting system, was developed for use at a cancer center and has been implemented at The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tex, an academic medical center. Unlike traditionally organized reports in which everything is normally dictated in 1 long paragraph, this system separates the dictation into multiple paragraphs creating an organized and comprehensible report. Recent literature regarding formatting of pathology reports focuses primarily on the organization of specimen diagnoses and overall report layout. However, little litera ture is available that highlights organization of the specimen gross descriptions. Objective.- To provide instruction to pathologists, pathology residents and fellows, and pathologists' assistant students about an alternative method of organizing gross pathology reports. Data Sources.-Review of pertinent literature relating to preparation of gross pathology reports, report formatting, and pathology laboratory credentialing requirements. Conclusions.- The paragraph system offers a viable alternative to traditionally organized pathology reports. Primarily, it provides a working model for medical professionals-in-training. It helps create user-friendly pathology reports by giving precise and concise information in a standardized format. This article provides an overview of the system and discusses our experience in its implementation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)298-302
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Volume133
Issue number2
StatePublished - Feb 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Medical Laboratory Technology

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