Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) Tutorial

The Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) Tutorial is a 30-minute online education tool to showcase the MPATH-Dx schema and its associated classifications (Class I -benign through Class V -invasive melanoma), including instructions on how to map diagnostic interpretations into these classes, followed by case examples and exercises to ensure understanding. Capsule Summary: • The value of a tool to provide standardized classification of the currently diverse pathology terminology for melanocytic skin lesions, in order to facilitate management, is recognized by dermatopathologists. • With a simple tutorial, dermatopathologists can confidently and correctly apply the MPATH-Dx schema to improve communication and patient care. Refer to Reisch, et al. "Implementing the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx): Long Term Effect of a Simple Educational Intervention," JAAD International (2023): Background: A standardized pathology management tool for melanocytic skin lesions may improve patient care by simplifying interpretation and categorization of the diverse terminology currently extant. Objective: An online educational intervention teaching dermatopathologists to use the MPATH-Dx schema collapsing multiple diagnostic terms into 5 classes ranging from benign to invasive melanoma. Methods: Practicing U.S. dermatopathologists in a 2-year educational intervention study involving a brief tutorial followed by practice on melanocytic lesions, with the goal of teaching pathologists how to correctly use the MPATH-Dx schema; competence using the MPATH-Dx tool 12-24 months post-intervention was assessed. Results: At pre-intervention, confidence using the MPATH-Dx tool was high despite lacking prior familiarity, and confidence increased post-intervention. During the intervention, participants used the MPATH-Dx tool correctly for 90% of their interpretations; at post-intervention, participants used the MPATH-Dx tool correctly for 88% of their interpretations. Limitations: Future research should examine implementing a standardized pathology assessment schema in actual clinical practice. Conclusions: Dermatopathologists can be taught to confidently and competently use the MPATH-Dx schema with a simple educational tutorial followed by practice. Key words: Dermatopathology; melanocytic skin lesions; continuing medical education; intervention study; standardized histology schema Funding sources: Supported