Interdisciplinary and inter-personnel issues during rapid on-site evaluation: an analysis of 2025 American Society of Cytopathology survey results.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore the interdisciplinary and interpersonnel issues that may arise in the setting of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of fine-needle aspiration/core biopsy specimens.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A 17-question survey was distributed electronically to the members of the American Society of Cytopathology and the American Society for Cytology in 2025. The responses were obtained through SurveyMonkey and further analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 280 unique responses were received per question. Majority participants were cytologists/cytology supervisors (60.3%) and pathologists/laboratory directors (35.2%). ROSE was performed by majority (96.1%) and was most often carried out by "both cytologist and pathologist" (45.5%) or by "cytologist only" (33.2%). Telecytology was utilized by 43.1% for ROSE. Frequently occurring preanalytic issues included mistiming of contacting cytology (71.4%) and inadequate clinical information (55.2%). Main analytic difficulties were space constraints (63.6%) and multiple passes already procured before cytology team's arrival (44.9%). Lack of respectful behavior towards cytology personnel was reported by 32.4%. The lack of understanding of the administrative personnel regarding the time spent on ROSE was reported by 40.2%. Issues largely associated with telecytology included: difficulty in visualizing crowded cell groups and on-site individual failing to show diagnostic cells to remote pathologist.

CONCLUSIONS

This American Society of Cytopathology survey highlighted important interpersonnel/interdisciplinary issues that may arise in the current landscape of ROSE where cytologists have taken on an important role. Increased awareness of these issues may foster a more professional and collaborative work environment and drive improvements in current practice.