Healthcare Science National Delivery Plan for Healthcare Science Professionals in Scotland 2014-2017

APPENDIX 2

Role Extension

The Healthcare Scientist in Histopathology

Tissue Dissection

When tissue arrives in pathology from theatre or outpatient clinic there is a complex process in ensuring the areas of interest are identified, cut and orientated in the appropriate manner to allow diagnosis. The macro report generated at this point is the first intervention and first guide to the histopathological diagnosis. Traditionally this has been carried out by consultant staff and medical staff in training and is labour intensive. Through work with the professional bodies biomedical scientists have been trained to competence through a portfolio/case review system with structure examination at the end of the training period. There is variation across Scotland in the level of engagement and the perception of the value this system delivers. It would be useful to expand this area further and understand why this is not universally adopted. It is complex and may impact to the training of trainee medical staff.
As part of the delivery plan it would be helpful to understand why this practice has not been universally adopted. There are indications it may not be the right model for all epartments and it would be helpful to understand why?

Interpretive Histopathology

A new development based on the success of the tissue dissection project has been initiated by the Professional Bodies in developing a pilot project for biomedical scientist interpretation and reporting of histopathology in clearly defined domains. Again this has the potential to ease the workload of consultant medical staff and at the same time enhance the role of the scientists. This project started in 2012 and is at an early stage. This will take a number of years to fully develop but early indications are that there may be a role for biomedical scientists in the interpretation and reporting of histopathology in clearly identified areas and in accordance with defined standards. This reflects the role of radiographers in plain firm reporting but is at a much earlier stage. The interesting delivery aspect of this is that there has been very limited interest from Scottish Boards in taking part.

In both scenarios above the delivery benefits are many including the release of valuable consultant time and increased challenge and morale for the scientists involved.