The current troubled state of the global pathology workforce: a concise review
2024
The Global Pathology Workforce Crisis
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Elizabeth Walsh, Nicolas Orsi
Primary Institution: University of Leeds
Hypothesis
What are the current challenges facing the global pathology workforce?
Conclusion
The pathology workforce is under significant pressure due to declining numbers, increasing workload, and an aging workforce, which threatens service delivery and patient care.
Supporting Evidence
- The UK has a significant shortage of histopathologists, with only 3% of departments adequately staffed.
- Germany has one of the lowest numbers of pathologists per capita in Europe.
- The US has conflicting estimates of pathologist numbers, complicating workforce assessments.
- Pathologist burnout is a widespread issue, with over 50% of surveyed pathologists in the US reporting burnout.
Takeaway
There aren't enough pathologists to handle the growing number of cancer cases, which could lead to delays in patient care.
Methodology
This review analyzes workforce data and trends in pathology across various countries, focusing on histopathology.
Limitations
The review relies on existing workforce data, which may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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