A Comparative Study of the Perspectives of General and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists about the Rate and Value of Second Referral in Assessment of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologic Lesions.

The main purpose in the practice of pathology is to provide an accurate diagnosis. Second referral and reassessment by a second pathologist significantly cause diagnostic errors, help to make an accurate diagnosis, and improve patient management. This study was aimed to assess the general perspectives of general and oral and maxillofacial pathologists in Iran on second referrals. In this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study, a 20-item questionnaire on second referrals was used to assess the general and oral and maxillofacial pathologists' perspective in Iran. The obtained data were analyzed by chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). A total of 64 questionnaires from general and 45 questionnaires from oral and maxillofacial pathologists were collected. The findings showed 70.9% of pathologists were in favor of seeking a second opinion when faced with diagnostic challenges. Significant differences were found between the oral and general pathologists in terms of the most challenging oral and maxillofacial lesions (p value < 0.001). In total, 74.8% of pathologists suggested second opinion to be useful and productive. Both groups of pathologists approved of the second referral. However, this pattern is still different, and it is possible to improve the referral rate among both groups and to enhance the knowledge of general pathologists about second referral to oral and maxillofacial pathologists.