FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE ERRORS IN PUBLICATION SURVEY TOOL?

The Errors in Publication tool is a brief survey that was developed to provide a method for professional scientists with anatomic and/or clinical pathology expertise to report potential errors in animal pathology data and/or interpretation contained in non-pathology focused scientific publications (i.e. journals and/or publications without a veterinary pathologist contributor or reviewer), and is not intended as a tool to reflect differences of opinion between pathologists. 

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE SURVEY TOOL?

The initial goal is to collate and analyze the reports to determine the types and most common errors; and the ultimate goal is to develop recommended best practices to improve the accuracy and interpretation of pathology data in published peer reviewed scientific research.    

IS THIS AN ANONYMOUS REPORTING TOOL?

Yes, the tool will allow for anonymous reporting.  Individuals have the option to provide contact information.   

WHAT HAPPENS IN RESPONSE TO REPORTED INFORMATION IN THE SURVEY?

Survey information will be collated by an independent third-party.  The ACVP Advocacy and Policy committee has been charged by the Board of Directors to review survey submissions.  The APC will aggregate data by error type, provide updates to the BOD and membership and will seek input from the BOD and membership on development of training or CE material, standards and/or procedures that will address the most common types of errors and will support the ACVP mission to promote excellence in veterinary pathology.

WHY WAS THE SURVEY TOOL DEVELOPED?

Concerns on an apparent increase in pathology errors in published scientific journals were brought to the attention of the Board of Directors.  To address these concerns, the BOD charged the Advocacy and Policy Committee of the ACVP to develop a reporting tool that could be used to objectively identify and begin to quantify the most common types of errors to better determine the scope of the issue. 

HOW DO I ACCESS THE SURVEY TOOL?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACVP_Errors

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF ERRORS IN THE CURRENT TOOL?

The current tool allows reporting of histopathology, gross pathology, clinical pathology and/or ancillary/other data errors. There are drop down selections under each category to help with standard data collection.  In addition, comments may be added as needed. 

WILL I GET A RECEIPT OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MY SUBMISSION?

Yes, you will get confirmation through the web portal immediately after submission, as well as an email confirmation if you choose to include your contact information

WHEN DO YOU ANTICIPATE THE INITIAL AGGREGATED RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERSHIP?

We anticipate that initial results will be available in the first quarter of 2023.

HOW WILL THIS AGGREGATED INFORMATION BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERSHIP AT LARGE?

Aggregated information will be shared on the ACVP website for members to review and to provide feedback and/or suggestions for development of best practices.   Requests and opportunities for volunteers to help create and/or review white papers, training material, etc., developed as an outcome from the tool will also be shared on the ACVP website and via email.

WHEN AND HOW WILL OUTCOMES OF THE EFFORT BE REPORTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP?

We anticipate regular updates throughout the 2^nd and 3^rd quarter of 2023 that will be shared on the ACVP website and other media as appropriate.