Doing More with Fewer: Optimizing Value with Limited Numbers of Autopsies

ABSTRACT

The value of autopsy is best demonstrated when the procedure is competently practiced in an appropriate clinical setting. Autopsy performance is expectedly restricted when a death raises certain forensic, religious, legal, or safety concerns. Additionally, limiting the scope of postmortem examinations to deaths that fulfill various clinical indications for the procedure will be important moving forward. This is especially true as institutions that finance autopsy services face uncertain and likely difficult financial conditions in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Autopsy pathologists should actively engage with clinicians in promoting responsible autopsy practice and delivering quality postmortem care. Using a problem-oriented autopsy record, thoughtfully evaluating postmortem histology, and purposefully reporting autopsy findings can help pathologists provide valuable data to autopsy's various stakeholders. Copyright © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.