[Evaluation of the clinical utility of autopsy: an investigation at the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study of autopsies performed in our institute was to investigate whether clinical requirements had been met and specific clinical questions answered. METHOD: With each autopsy report, a questionnaire was sent to the clinic where the patient had died. The clinicians evaluated how often additional diagnoses were made and whether these were clinically relevant. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of all autopsies resulted in further diagnoses. Clinicians estimated that these could have influenced their clinical management in 36% of cases. Weaknesses in interdisciplinary cooperation were uncovered and solved. CONCLUSION: The great benefit of the autopsies conducted in our institute was demonstrated. The results emphasise once again the importance of autopsy for quality assurance in clinical medicine.