Clinical Impact of a Global Pathology Outreach Program to Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract 31Background:Diagnostic resources are often limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Transportability of diagnostic specimens facilitates outreach services, potentially giving LMICs access to state-of-the-art services, which results in more precise therapies. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical impact of our ongoing international outreach consult service and to identify specific challenges that LMICs face, with the ultimate goal of guiding focused interventions to address needs in LMICs.Methods:Cases received were catalogued, noting demographics, anatomic site, and initial and final diagnoses. Differences between initial and final diagnoses were categorized as minor or major discrepancies with or without clinical impact affecting management and prognosis. A fifth reclassification category was created for cases in which only a broad diagnosis was initially achieved, and for which more definitive classification was subsequently provided.Results:Five hundred forty-five case...