Management of the activity of the Moscow pathology and anatomical service in the context of a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection in 2020–2022

The management of the activity of the pathology and anatomical service (PAS) of the Moscow Healthcare Department (DZM) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provision of timely and accurate pathological diagnostics, as well as the receipt of reliable statistics on mortality rate, made it possible to provide timely management decisions to combat the pandemic.

Purpose. To present the successful experience of managing the activities of the Moscow Pathoanatomic Service of DZM in the conditions of a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection.

Methods. The paper analyzes and summarizes the features of the activity of PAS of DZM in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, presents the main activities carried out to ensure timely and accurate diagnostics in anatomical pathology, and obtaining reliable statistical data on mortality, demonstrates the most important management decisions for organizing work aimed at combating the pandemic. Analytical, organizational, and statistical research methods are used in the work.

Results. In order to improve the organization of the work of PAS of DZM in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure timely and accurate pathological diagnostics, and obtaining reliable statistics on mortality from it, a number of important activities were carried out including reprofilation of the PAS and reorganization of the work of PAS of DZM, reorganization and optimization of the work of the organizational and methodological department for pathological anatomy (OMO PA) of the Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department, carrying out activities to establish interaction between the chief specialist in pathological anatomy and OMO PA with the DZM, the Rosstat and the egistry Office in Multiple functional Centres, connection of all Departments of Pathology by the new laboratory information system «LABFORS», development of continuing medical education.

Limitations. Limited time period for description; there is no comparison with other subjects; conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Conclusions. Thus, the PAS of DZM, under the guidance of the chief specialist in pathological anatomy of DZM and OMO PA, showed its efficiency and effectiveness in the context of a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection, successfully implemented new technologies and organizational principles, improved the organization of its work, developed both post-mortem and intravital diagnostics of diseases in anatomical pathology.

Compliance with ethical standards: the study does not require the submission of the conclusion of the Biomedical ethics committee or other documents.

Contribution of the authors:
Kanibolotskiy A.A. — collection and processing of material, writing text, compiling a list of references;
Zayratyants O.V. — research concept and design, editing.
All co-authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Gratitude. The authors express their sincere gratitude to the pathologists and other specialists working with COVID-19.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: July 18, 2022 
Accepted: September 07, 2022
Published: December 12, 2022