Living with the Dead: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Resident Pathologists in their First Time Doing Medical Autopsy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

inour present time when diseases are so rampant and we are still finding immediate cures for these illnesses, pathologists are very important. By doing a medical autopsy, they seek to find the causes of someone's death; the degree of ailment he/she once undergone, and other diseases that are not diagnosed during the time that the patient was still alive. Recognizing that the pathologists' role is imperative in the field of medicine, the researchers ought to know the lived experiences of resident pathologists in their first time conducting an autopsy.

METHODS

This study is a qualitative method using a phenomenological design aimed at describing the lived experiences of resident pathologists in their first time doing a medical autopsy; particularly on the difficulties, they encounter. The advantages of being in their field were discussed in a semi-structured in-depth interview on two resident pathologists at De La Salle University Medical Center. The framework of analysis used was Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Pressure while doing autopsy; fear of false diagnosis and huge time consumption were the themes that the researchers found out on the difficulties they encounter. in his journal, Giard (2010) said that "Diagnostic errors comprise a substantial and costly fraction of all medical errors. A wrong diagnosis by a clinical pathologist could lead to a delayed or inappropriate treatment and may result in legal action from the patient who suffered damages." For the advantages, the schedule, less interaction with patients and being knowledgeable in all diseases are identified as the common themes. Pathology is the general study of diseases and its procedure, like a specific diagnosis. They look for the clues of the diseases through the examination of organs, tissues, body fluids, cells, and molecules. They are called the "Doctor's doctor" for they don't directly interact with their patients (NYU Langone Health, n.d.).

DISCUSSIONS

For resident pathologists, they handle a lot of pressure every time they perform an autopsy, notably the first time they do it. Yet it is rewarding when they diagnosed the disease well and became successful in knowing the main cause of the patient's death.