PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF STRESS AND COGNITIVE FATIGUE AMONG CLINICAL PATHOLOGISTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY

Abstract

Clinical pathologists work in high-pressure environments that demand sustained concentration, accuracy, and rapid decision-making. Continuous exposure to heavy workloads, time constraints, and emotional strain often leads to stress and cognitive fatigue, which may negatively influence diagnostic performance. This study aimed to assess the levels of stress and cognitive fatigue among clinical pathologists and examine their implications for diagnostic accuracy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical pathologists working in tertiary care hospitals. Standardised psychometric tools, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), were used to evaluate stress and fatigue levels. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed through a structured simulation-based performance test. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods to identify trends and associations. The assessment revealed that a substantial proportion of participants experienced moderate to high stress and cognitive fatigue. Increased stress levels were associated with reduced concentration and higher error tendencies during diagnostic evaluations. Similarly, cognitive fatigue was linked to slower decision-making and decreased accuracy in diagnostic interpretations. The findings highlight that stress and cognitive fatigue significantly affect the diagnostic efficiency of clinical pathologists. Implementing targeted interventions such as workload management, rest breaks, and psychological support programs can enhance cognitive performance and ensure better diagnostic reliability in laboratory practice.