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He X, Wang L, Wang L, Gao J, Cui F, Ma Q, Zhang W, Wang L, Zhai Y, Zhao J. Effectiveness of a Cloud-Based Telepathology System in China: Large-Sample Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23799. [PMID: 34326037 PMCID: PMC8367172 DOI: 10.2196/23799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole-slide imaging allows the entire slide to be viewed in a manner that simulates microscopy; therefore, it is widely used in telepathology. However, managing the large digital files needed for whole-slide imaging is difficult. To solve this problem, we set up the Chinese National Cloud-Based Telepathology System (CNCTPS). CNCTPS has been running for more than 4 years and has accumulated a large amount of data. OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the CNCTPS based on a large sample. The evaluation indicators included service volume, turnaround time, diagnosis accuracy, and economic benefits. METHODS Details of 23,167 cases submitted to the CNCTPS from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected to analyze the service volume, turnaround time, and economic benefits. A total of 564 patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and obtained final diagnoses were followed up to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the CNCTPS. RESULTS From 2016 to 2019, the service volume of the CNCTPS increased from 2335 to 9240, and the number of participating hospitals increased from 60 to 74. Consultation requests from county-level hospitals accounted for 86.57% (20,287/23,167). A total of 17,495 of 23,167 cases (75.52%) were confirmed, including 12,088 benign lesions, 5217 malignant lesions, and 190 borderline lesions. Of the cases, 3.85% (893/23,167) failed to be diagnosed for reasons such as poor slice quality and incomplete sampling. The median turnaround time was 16.93 hours and was shortened yearly (between 2018 and 2019: adjusted P=.01; other groups: adjusted P<.001); 82.88% cases were diagnosed in 48 hours. There was a discrepancy between the diagnosis and final diagnosis for 11 cases, including 4 false-positive cases and 7 false-negative cases. The sensitivity and specificity were 97.66% and 98.49%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the system was 98.05%, with no statistical difference from the final diagnosis in the hospital (P=.55). By using this system, a total of US $300,000 was saved for patients every year. CONCLUSIONS The novel cloud-based telepathology system has the potential to relieve the shortage of pathologists in primary hospitals. It can also simultaneously reduce medical costs for patients in China. It should, therefore, be further promoted to enhance the efficiency, quantity, and quality of telepathology diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianying He
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinghong Gao
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Cui
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Ma
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunkai Zhai
- School of Management Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- National Telemedicine Center of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, Zhengzhou, China
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Chong Y, Kim DC, Jung CK, Kim DC, Song SY, Joo HJ, Yi SY. Recommendations for pathologic practice using digital pathology: consensus report of the Korean Society of Pathologists. J Pathol Transl Med 2020; 54:437-452. [PMID: 33027850 PMCID: PMC7674756 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2020.08.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital pathology (DP) using whole slide imaging (WSI) is becoming a fundamental issue in pathology with recent advances and the rapid development of associated technologies. However, the available evidence on its diagnostic uses and practical advice for pathologists on implementing DP remains insufficient, particularly in light of the exponential growth of this industry. To inform DP implementation in Korea, we developed relevant and timely recommendations. We first performed a literature review of DP guidelines, recommendations, and position papers from major countries, as well as a review of relevant studies validating WSI. Based on that information, we prepared a draft. After several revisions, we released this draft to the public and the members of the Korean Society of Pathologists through our homepage and held an open forum for interested parties. Through that process, this final manuscript has been prepared. This recommendation contains an overview describing the background, objectives, scope of application, and basic terminology; guidelines and considerations for the hardware and software used in DP systems and the validation required for DP implementation; conclusions; and references and appendices, including literature on DP from major countries and WSI validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosep Chong
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Cheol Kim
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Korea
| | - Sang Yong Song
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jae Joo
- Department of Pathology, TCM Laboratory, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sang-Yeop Yi
- Department of Pathology, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
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Convergence of Digital Pathology and Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomic Pathology Practice: Current Landscape and Future Directions. Adv Anat Pathol 2020; 27:221-226. [PMID: 32541593 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Static telepathology is one of the telepathology methods, in which the captured images of the slides are transmitted for consultation at a later time. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the conventional pathology and static telepathology systems. Eighty-two cases that had been selected randomly from 4 pathology centers in the city of Kerman were diagnosed by a pathologist, first based on light microscopy and then after 2 months based on static images (2 images per case) captured by a Nikon 50i microscopic camera. The images were sent to the pathologist via e-mail. The diagnostic accuracy of the telepathology system was calculated. The light microscopic diagnoses were concordant with the telepathologic diagnoses in 71 of 82 reviewed cases. Different diagnoses of 7 cases were due to the images captured from the inappropriate location of the slides. The diagnostic accuracy of the telepathology system was 86.5%. The results of this study showed that static telepathology is very accurate and can be widely used in Iran. However, efficient implementation and use of telepathology require paying attention to different issues such as educational, legal, ethical, financial, and security and observance of the standards related to this field.
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Watzlaf VJM, Zhou L, Dealmeida DR, Hartman LM. A Systematic Review of Research Studies Examining Telehealth Privacy and Security Practices used by Healthcare Providers. Int J Telerehabil 2017; 9:39-59. [PMID: 29238448 PMCID: PMC5716616 DOI: 10.5195/ijt.2017.6231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review was to systematically review papers in the United States that examine current practices in privacy and security when telehealth technologies are used by healthcare providers. A literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). PubMed, CINAHL and INSPEC from 2003 - 2016 were searched and returned 25,404 papers (after duplications were removed). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed to examine title, abstract, and full text for 21 published papers which reported on privacy and security practices used by healthcare providers using telehealth. Data on confidentiality, integrity, privacy, informed consent, access control, availability, retention, encryption, and authentication were all searched and retrieved from the papers examined. Papers were selected by two independent reviewers, first per inclusion/exclusion criteria and, where there was disagreement, a third reviewer was consulted. The percentage of agreement and Cohen's kappa was 99.04% and 0.7331 respectively. The papers reviewed ranged from 2004 to 2016 and included several types of telehealth specialties. Sixty-seven percent were policy type studies, and 14 percent were survey/interview studies. There were no randomized controlled trials. Based upon the results, we conclude that it is necessary to have more studies with specific information about the use of privacy and security practices when using telehealth technologies as well as studies that examine patient and provider preferences on how data is kept private and secure during and after telehealth sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie J M Watzlaf
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, PITTSBURGH, PA, USA
| | - Leming Zhou
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, PITTSBURGH, PA, USA
| | - Dilhari R Dealmeida
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, PITTSBURGH, PA, USA
| | - Linda M Hartman
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, PITTSBURGH, PA, USA
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Bashshur RL, Krupinski EA, Weinstein RS, Dunn MR, Bashshur N. The Empirical Foundations of Telepathology: Evidence of Feasibility and Intermediate Effects. Telemed J E Health 2017; 23:155-191. [PMID: 28170313 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telepathology evolved from video microscopy (i.e., "television microscopy") research in the early 1950s to video microscopy used in basic research in the biological sciences to a basic diagnostic tool in telemedicine clinical applications. Its genesis can be traced to pioneering feasibility studies regarding the importance of color and other image-based parameters for rendering diagnoses and a series of studies assessing concordance of virtual slide and light microscopy diagnoses. This article documents the empirical foundations of telepathology. METHODS A selective review of the research literature during the past decade (2005-2016) was conducted using robust research design and adequate sample size as criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS The evidence regarding feasibility/acceptance of telepathology and related information technology applications has been well documented for several decades. The majority of evidentiary studies focused on intermediate outcomes, as indicated by comparability between telepathology and conventional light microscopy. A consistent trend of concordance between the two modalities was observed in terms of diagnostic accuracy and reliability. Additional benefits include use of telepathology and whole slide imaging for teaching, research, and outreach to resource-limited countries. Challenges still exist, however, in terms of use of telepathology as an effective diagnostic modality in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid L Bashshur
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Matthew R Dunn
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Noura Bashshur
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Della Mea V. Visual Satisfaction Is Not the Aim of Telemedicine. Telemed J E Health 2016; 22:865-866. [PMID: 27168043 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Della Mea
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine , Udine, Italy
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García-Rojo M. International Clinical Guidelines for the Adoption of Digital Pathology: A Review of Technical Aspects. Pathobiology 2016; 83:99-109. [PMID: 27100834 DOI: 10.1159/000441192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital slides, also called whole-slide images, are being evaluated to replace conventional microscopy, and several guidelines have been published. This paper reviews technical specifications of digital pathology systems that have been included in the guidelines and position papers from the Canadian Association of Pathologists, the College of American Pathologists, the American Telemedicine Association, the Digital Pathology Association, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, the European Commission, the Spanish Society of Anatomic Pathology, The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. In conclusion, most technical aspects are well covered by these guidelines, although they offer limited information regarding image quality and compression, and file formats.
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Mochon AB, Cruz MS. Telemicrobiology: Focusing on Quality in an Era of Laboratory Consolidation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sixty-five thousand shades of gray: importance of color in surgical pathology diagnoses. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:1945-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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