P196 Elaborate to communicate: Closing the colorectal histology information gap

Published Date: 07th October 2026

Publication Authors: Marples. T, Sheraz. S, Gokul. K, Brice. RG, Harishbabu. B

Aim
To assess completeness of colorectal cancer histology request forms in Southport General Hospital against Royal College of Pathologists standards (G049), targeting ≥85% completeness; to implement and evaluate structured forms; to survey colorectal and pathology teams on efficacy; and to assess the impact of education and redesign on compliance.

Methods
A closed-loop audit used retrospective and prospective data collection. Fifteen colorectal cancer histology requests using the existing blank form were assessed retrospectively against G049 standards. A revised form with structured clinical and operative sections was introduced, followed by prospective first-cycle data collection over 2 months (n = 14). Surgeons and pathologists were surveyed using 5-point Likert scales on efficacy and usefulness of new forms. Results were presented at a colorectal multidisciplinary audit meeting for targeted education. A further revised form was introduced, and second-cycle prospective data were collected over 2 months (n = 14).

Results
Baseline compliance was poor: clinical information 14.3%, operative information 28.0%, overall 16.0% (n = 15). Following the first revised form, compliance improved to 81.6%, 78.6%, and 80.4% overall (n = 14). After education and redesign, second-cycle compliance increased to 92.9%, 84.3%, and 89.3% overall (n = 14). Survey data showed strong support for the new forms. Surgeons reported mean Likert scores of 4.7/5 for positive impact and continued adoption; pathologists reported 4.2/5 and 4.4/5. Free-text comments highlighted structured fields and the embedded diagram as key strengths.

Conclusion
Traditional blank request forms provide limited guidance, leading to omission of clinically relevant details. Structured proformas significantly improved compliance, while education and feedback further enhanced performance. Iterative redesign with clinician engagement can sustainably improve communication between surgical and pathology teams, with applicability across subspecialties.

Marples, T; Sheraz, S; Gokul, K; Brice, RG; Harishbabu, B. (2026). P196 Elaborate to communicate: Closing the colorectal histology information gap. Colorectal Disease. 28(S2), [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/codi.70595 [Accessed 14 October 2026]