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Coudry RA, Assis EA, Frassetto FP, Jansen AM, da Silva LM, Parra-Medina R, Saieg M. Crossing the Andes: Challenges and opportunities for digital pathology in Latin America. J Pathol Inform 2024; 15:100369. [PMID: 38638195 PMCID: PMC11025004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2024.100369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The most widely accepted and used type of digital pathology (DP) is whole-slide imaging (WSI). The USFDA granted two WSI system approvals for primary diagnosis, the first in 2017. In Latin America, DP has the potential to reshape healthcare by enhancing diagnostic capabilities through artificial intelligence (AI) and standardizing pathology reports. Yet, we must tackle regulatory hurdles, training, resource availability, and unique challenges to the region. Collectively addressing these hurdles can enable the region to harness DP's advantages-enhancing disease diagnosis, medical research, and healthcare accessibility for its population. Americas Health Foundation assembled a panel of Latin American pathologists who are experts in DP to assess the hurdles to implementing it into pathologists' workflows in the region and provide recommendations for overcoming them. Some key steps recommended include creating a Latin American Society of Digital Pathology to provide continuing education, developing AI models trained on the Latin American population, establishing national regulatory frameworks for protecting the data, and standardizing formats for DP images to ensure that pathologists can collaborate and validate specimens across the various DP platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rafael Parra-Medina
- National Cancer Institute (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mauro Saieg
- Grupo Fleury, São Paulo, Brazil
- Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Bontoux C, Hofman V, Chamorey E, Schiappa R, Lassalle S, Long-Mira E, Zahaf K, Lalvée S, Fayada J, Bonnetaud C, Goffinet S, Ilié M, Hofman P. Reproducibility of c-Met Immunohistochemical Scoring (Clone SP44) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Conventional Light Microscopy and Whole Slide Imaging. Am J Surg Pathol 2024; 48:1072-1081. [PMID: 38980727 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Emerging therapies for non-small cell lung cancer targeting c-Met overexpression have recently demonstrated promising results. However, the evaluation of c-Met expression can be challenging. We aimed to study the inter and intraobserver reproducibility of c-Met expression evaluation. One hundred ten cases with non-small cell lung cancer (40 biopsies and 70 surgical specimens) were retrospectively selected in a single laboratory (LPCE) and evaluated for c-Met expression. Six pathologists (4 seniors and 2 juniors) evaluated the H-score and made a 3-tier classification of c-Met expression for all cases, using conventional light microscopy (CLM) and whole slide imaging (WSI). The interobserver reproducibility with CLM gave global Cohen Kappa coefficients (ƙ) ranging from 0.581 (95% CI: 0.364-0.771) to 0.763 (95% CI: 0.58-0.92) using the c-Met 3-tier classification and H-score, respectively. ƙ was higher for senior pathologists and biopsy samples. The interobserver reproducibility with WSI gave a global ƙ ranging from 0.543 (95% CI: 0.33-0.724) to 0.905 (95% CI: 0.618-1) using the c-Met H-score and 2-tier classification (≥25% 3+), respectively. ƙ for intraobserver reproducibility between CLM and WSI ranged from 0.713 to 0.898 for the c-Met H-score and from 0.600 to 0.779 for the c-Met 3-tier classification. We demonstrated a moderate to excellent interobserver agreement for c-Met expression with a substantial to excellent intraobserver agreement between CLM and WSI, thereby supporting the development of digital pathology. However, some factors (scoring method, type of tissue samples, and expertise level) affect reproducibility. Our findings highlight the importance of establishing a consensus definition and providing further training, particularly for inexperienced pathologists, for c-Met immunohistochemistry assessment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Bontoux
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Emmanuel Chamorey
- Department of Statistics, Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center, Nice, France
| | - Renaud Schiappa
- Department of Statistics, Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center, Nice, France
| | - Sandra Lassalle
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Elodie Long-Mira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Katia Zahaf
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Salomé Lalvée
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Julien Fayada
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Christelle Bonnetaud
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | | | - Marius Ilié
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank
- Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Côte d'Azur University
- FHU OncoAge, Côte d'Azur University
- University Hospital Institute RespirERA, Côte d'Azur University, Pasteur Hospital, CHU of Nice
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Boothe P, Martinez-Amador C, Hajarat T, Gonsalves C, Donthi D, Mukhtar F, Kresak J, Leon M. Validation and implementation of telecytology at an academic medical center using digital cameras and Microsoft Teams software. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2024; 13:329-339. [PMID: 38834385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid On-Site Evaluation of cytological samples obtained through fine needle aspiration for adequacy is a critical component of a cytology service; however, it imposes a significant time and cost burden for the practicing pathologist and the cytology service. Telecytology enables adequacy assessment by a pathologist remotely, greatly saving time. Telecytology also allows slide preparation and manipulation at the procedure site by an employee with less training requirements, liberating the cytotechnologist to screen cases and perform other laboratory duties - an important aspect to consider during times of cytotechnologist shortages. We propose a telecytology system with a simple setup of a microscope, microscope camera, laptop, and Microsoft Teams software. MATERIALS AND METHODS We designed a system consisting of a mobile cart, backup battery, microscope, digital camera, and a laptop computer with microscope imaging software and Microsoft Teams software for image transmission. Validation was performed by 4 pathologists making adequacy assessments on randomly selected previously signed out cases using the telecytology system. RESULTS Our validation of this system demonstrated a greater than 90% concurrence rate between the original adequacy call and the call made by pathologists using the telecytology system - a benchmark used by most, if not all, published validations of similar telecytology systems. In addition, the adequacy assessment concordance rate between select pathologists exceeded 90%. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our telecytology system provides excellent adequacy services for the clinicians and patients we serve. The Microsoft Teams software is a great tool for transmission of video microscopy. This system will be used with the goal of saving time and increasing efficiency for the cytopathology department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boothe
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Claudia Martinez-Amador
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Tara Hajarat
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Catherine Gonsalves
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Deepak Donthi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Faisal Mukhtar
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jesse Kresak
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Marino Leon
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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El Jiar M, Eliahiai I, Chaib S, Elmorabit K, Mouatakid M, Kharmoum J, Chraibi M. The State of Telepathology in Africa in the Age of Digital Pathology Advancements: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e63835. [PMID: 39099907 PMCID: PMC11297393 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Telepathology emerges as a vital tool, offering significant promise for enhancing pathology services in Africa, a region historically challenged by healthcare access and resource limitations. This review explores the development, adoption, and impacts of telepathology in Africa through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and literature review. A methodical search in PubMed for publications up to 2024 revealed 119 pertinent studies, out of which 47 met the inclusion criteria for a focused review on telepathology's role in African healthcare settings. This research has charted a clear trajectory of growing interest in telepathology, as evidenced by the annual increase in related publications and robust international collaboration. It underscores the expanding utility of telepathology in diagnostics, education, and research within Africa, particularly in domains like dermatopathology, neuropathology, and, notably, oncology. The integration of artificial intelligence into telepathology presents new frontiers for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. However, the review also identifies persistent challenges such as infrastructural inadequacies, a shortage of skilled professionals, and regulatory hurdles. The study highlights the indispensable role of international partnerships in advancing telepathology in the region. This review proposes a strategic pivot toward "leapfrogging," an approach that allows Africa to skip traditional developmental hurdles by directly adopting cutting-edge technologies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed El Jiar
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Imane Eliahiai
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Sanae Chaib
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Khalid Elmorabit
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Mohamed Mouatakid
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Jinane Kharmoum
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
| | - Mariame Chraibi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, MAR
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Mohammed VI of Tangier, Tangier, MAR
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Aljerian K, Alrashedi A, Alkulaibi R, Alsuwailem R, Alshahrani A, Alzahrani FM, Alqazlan N, Temsah MH. Assessing Knowledge, Acceptance, and Anticipated Impact of Telepathology in Saudi Arabia: Insights From Healthcare Workers and Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e49218. [PMID: 38143684 PMCID: PMC10739504 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telepathology, a rapidly evolving field in modern healthcare, has the potential to significantly impact the diagnosis and management of diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of acceptance and knowledge, the likelihood of future use, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of telepathology among healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 participants, including 179 HCWs and 209 adult patients across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a bilingual, self-administered, and anonymous computer-based questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was employed for data analysis. RESULTS The participants had an average knowledge rate of 80.3% (n=312) concerning telepathology. A substantial 88.16% (n=342) were inclined towards its acceptance, and an optimistic 89.97% (n=349) foresaw its potential utility. Among the respondents, 70% (n=272) pinpointed "expedited results" as the principal merit of telepathology. However, 60% (n=233) flagged "the necessity for costly infrastructure" as its chief limitation. CONCLUSIONS The insights derived underscore a prominent knowledge and endorsement of telepathology among the Saudi population and HCWs. Despite certain drawbacks, participants believe that telepathology is feasible and offers numerous benefits that could greatly enhance the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia. Future research should focus on evaluating its practical implementation and efficacy within healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaldoon Aljerian
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department, King Saud University Medical City, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
- Evidence-Based Health Care & Knowledge Translation Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
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Su F, Zhang W, Liu Y, Chen S, Lin M, Feng M, Yin J, Tan L, Shen Y. The development and validation of pathological sections based U-Net deep learning segmentation model for the detection of esophageal mucosa and squamous cell neoplasm. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:1982-1992. [PMID: 37969831 PMCID: PMC10643591 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Deep learning methods have demonstrated great potential for processing high-resolution images. The U-Net model, in particular, has shown proficiency in the segmentation of biomedical images. However, limited research has examined the application of deep learning to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) segmentation. Therefore, this study aimed to develop deep learning segmentation systems specifically for ESCC. Methods A Visual Geometry Group (VGG)-based U-Net neural network architecture was utilized to develop the segmentation models. A pathological image cohort of surgical specimens was used for model training and internal validation, with two additional endoscopic biopsy section cohort for external validation. Model efficacy was evaluated across several metrics including Intersection over Union (IOU), accuracy, positive predict value (PPV), true positive rate (TPR), specificity, dice similarity coefficient (DSC), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and F1-Score. Results Surgical samples from ten patients were analyzed retrospectively, with each biopsy section cohort encompassing five patients. Transfer learning models based on U-Net weights yielded optimal results. For mucosa segmentation, the in internal validation achieved 93.81% IOU, with other parameters exceeding 96% (96.96% accuracy, 96.45% PPV, 96.65% TPR, 98.41% specificity, 96.81% DSC, 96.11% AUC, and 96.55% F1-Score). The tumor segmentation model attained an IOU of 91.95%, along with other parameters surpassing 95% (95.90% accuracy, 95.62% PPV, 95.71% TPR, 97.88% specificity, 95.81% DSC, 94.92% AUC, and 95.67% F1-Score). In the external validation for tumor segmentation model, IOU was 59.86% for validation database 1 (72.74% for accuracy, 76.03% for PPV, 77.17% for TPR, 83.80% for specificity, 74.89% for DSC, 71.83% for AUC, and 76.60% for F1-Score), and 50.88% for validation cohort 2 (68.03% for accuracy, 59.02% for PPV, 66.87% for TPR, 78.48% for specificity, 67.44% for DSC, 64.68% for AUC, and 62.70% for F1-Score). Conclusions The models exhibited satisfactory results, paving the way for their potential deployment on standard computers and integration with other artificial intelligence models in clinical practice in the future. However, limited to the size of study, the generalizability of models is impaired in the external validation, larger pathological section cohort would be needed in future development to ensure robustness and generalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Su
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cardio and Thoracic Surgery, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Yunzhong Liu
- Department of Cardio and Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shanglin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxiang Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaxing Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Petersen JM, Jhala N, Jhala DN. The Critical Value of Telepathology in the COVID-19 Era. Fed Pract 2023; 40:186-193. [PMID: 37860072 PMCID: PMC10584409 DOI: 10.12788/fp.0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Telepathology, which includes the use of telecommunication links, helps enable transmission of digital pathology images for primary diagnosis, quality assurance, education, research, or second opinion diagnoses. Observations This review covers all aspects of telepathology implementation, including the selection of platforms, budgets and regulations, validation, implementation, education, quality monitoring, and the potential to improve practice. Considering the long-term trends, the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential for future pandemics or other disasters, the validation and implementation of telepathology remains a reasonable choice for laboratories looking to improve their practice. Conclusions Though barriers to implementation exist, there are potential benefits, such as the wide spectrum of uses like frozen section, telecytology, primary diagnosis, and second opinions. Telepathology represents an innovation that may transform the future of pathology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Petersen
- Corporal Michael J Crescenz Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Darshana N Jhala
- Corporal Michael J Crescenz Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Manirakiza F, Niyoyita JP, Habanabakize T, Ndagijimana E, Surwumwe JB, Rugwizangoga B. The use of Vsee videoconferencing for live telepathology in Rwanda, a potential solution for resource-limited area. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231159184. [PMID: 36860909 PMCID: PMC9969432 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231159184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The shortage of pathologists is a worldwide problem that is more severe in Africa. One of the solutions is the use of telepathology (TP); however, most of the TP systems are expensive and unaffordable in many developing countries. At the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda, we assessed the possibility of combining commonly available laboratory tools into a system that can be used for diagnostic TP using Vsee videoconferencing. Methodology Using an Olympus microscope (with a camera) operated by a laboratory technologist, histologic images were transmitted to a computer whose screen was shared, using Vsee, with a remotely located pathologist who made the diagnoses. Sixty consecutive small biopsies (≤6 glass slides) from different tissues were examined to make a diagnosis using live Vsee-based videoconferencing TP. Vsee-based diagnoses were compared to pre-existing light microscopy-based diagnoses. Percent agreement and unweighted Cohen's kappa coefficient of the agreement were calculated. Results For agreement between conventional microscopy-based and Vsee-based diagnoses, we found an unweighted Cohen's kappa of 0.77 ± 0.07SE with a 95% CI of 0.62-0.91. The perfect percent agreement was 76.6% (46 of 60). Agreement with minor discrepancy was 15% (9 of 60). There were 2 cases of major discrepancy (3.30%). We were unable to make a diagnosis in 3 cases (5%) because of poor image quality related to the instantaneous internet connectivity problems. Conclusion This system provided promising results. However, additional studies to assess other parameters which can affect its performance are needed before this system can be considered an alternative method of providing TP services in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Manirakiza
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali,
Kigali, Rwanda,Felix Manirakiza, Department of Pathology,
University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), KN 4 Ave, P.O. Box 655 Kigali,
Rwanda.
| | - Jean Paul Niyoyita
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Thomas Habanabakize
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Ndagijimana
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,The African Center of Excellence in Data Science, College of
Business and Economics, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Bosco Surwumwe
- Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali,
Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Belson Rugwizangoga
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali,
Kigali, Rwanda
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Sreeshyla HS, Usha H, Nitin P, Sowmya SV, Augustine D, Haragannavar VC. Digital microscopy: A routine mandate in future? A leaf out of Covid-19 pandemic laboratory experience. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2023; 27:162-167. [PMID: 37234306 PMCID: PMC10207216 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_111_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out lot of changes among the way people and organisations function. It has also reduced social gatherings and hence social relations considerably, forcing people to adjust to new ways of work and life. An outstanding difference between the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous epidemics or pandemics is the increased availability and use of technology currently, which has been validated by various reports from across the globe. Thus, even with the ensuing pandemic, lockdown and decreased social gatherings, with the technology support we have devised ways to keep in contact with friends, family and work place, so as to continue our lives. Social distancing guidelines and regulations have put pressure on a great many organisations to find new ways of keeping employees and students connected while working remotely. For more deskbound occupations and roles, this can be relatively straightforward, but it is challenging if not impossible for lab-based quality control, research and study. The answer to this is digital remote microscopy which enables sharing of data online, carrying out collaborative work through multi-viewing in real time and facilitates remote training functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huchanahalli Sheshanna Sreeshyla
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, JSS Dental College and Hospital, A Constituent College of JSS AHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Hegde Usha
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, JSS Dental College and Hospital, A Constituent College of JSS AHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyanka Nitin
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, JSS Dental College and Hospital, A Constituent College of JSS AHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - SV Sowmya
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Head of Oral Cancer Research Centre, Bengaluru, India
| | - Dominic Augustine
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Vanishri C Haragannavar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
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Alawashiz R, AlDossary SA. Pathologists' acceptance of telepathology in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: A survey study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231163672. [PMID: 36937697 PMCID: PMC10017934 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231163672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Evaluating users' attitudes and acceptance of telemedicine in the early phases of implementation is critical in predicting a successful adoption and utilization of the service. Telepathology does not require a patient's presence for intercommunication; therefore, it is essential to focus on the acceptance of the main occupational groups that are involved. This study aimed to assess the attitude and acceptance of telepathology in the pathology departments of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional survey was distributed among pathologists and laboratory technologists in the pathology departments of MNGHA hospitals (N = 78). The data collection instrument was built upon the technology acceptance model's (TAM's) constructs of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude (ATT), and intention to use (ITU). Results In total, 64 questionnaires were completed (response rate of 82%). The acceptance levels represented by the median responses to the TAM constructs, varied from 5.5 (slightly agree) to 6 (agree). The availability of digital pathology services in the workplace was significantly correlated with the participants' acceptance of telepathology. There was a strong correlation between ITU and PU and a moderate correlation between PEU and PU. Conclusion Results suggest that telepathology is more likely to be adopted if it is considered helpful, therefore, it is recommended to focus on its usefulness and direct benefits during the training period. The participants who were familiar with the concept of digital pathology were more receptive to using telepathology, which might emphasize the importance of introducing and familiarizing the resident with digital health during their training period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raneem Alawashiz
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Raneem Abdullah Alawashiz, Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, PO Box 3660, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sharifah Abdullah AlDossary
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Willis JS, Tyler C, Schiff GD, Schreiner K. Ensuring Primary Care Diagnostic Quality in the Era of Telemedicine. Am J Med 2021; 134:1101-1103. [PMID: 34051151 PMCID: PMC9746257 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Steven Willis
- Assistant Professor, Division of Family Medicine, Associate Medical Director, GW Immediate Primary Care, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
| | - Carl Tyler
- Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gordon D Schiff
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Katherine Schreiner
- Medical Student, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
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12
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Niyonzima N, Wannume H, Kadhumbula S, Wasswa H, Osinde G, Mulumba Y, Tusabe T, Kalungi S, Orem J. Strengthening Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity to Support Cancer Care in Uganda. Am J Clin Pathol 2021; 156:205-213. [PMID: 33300963 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An accurate cancer diagnosis is critical to providing quality care to patients with cancer. We describe the results of a laboratory improvement process that started in 2017 to improve access to cancer diagnostics at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). The overall objective of the project was to build capacity for the provision of quality and timely laboratory diagnostics to support cancer care in Uganda. METHODS A phased multistep approach was used to improve laboratory capacity, including staff training, additional staff recruitment, equipment overhaul, and optimization of the supply chain. RESULTS The program led to the establishment of a pathology laboratory that handled 5,700 tissue diagnoses in 2019. Immunohistochemistry services are now offered routinely. Turnaround time for histopathology has also reduced from an average of 7 to 14 days to 5.4 days. The main clinical laboratory has also increased both the test volume and the test capacity, with the additional establishment of a molecular diagnostics laboratory. CONCLUSIONS Our project shows a pathway to the improvement of laboratory diagnostic capacity in cancer care centers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improved laboratory diagnostic capacity is critical to improving cancer care in SSA and more rational use of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nixon Niyonzima
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tobias Tusabe
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Kalungi
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jackson Orem
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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13
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Christian RJ, VanSandt M. Using Dynamic Virtual Microscopy to Train Pathology Residents During the Pandemic: Perspectives on Pathology Education in the Age of COVID-19. Acad Pathol 2021; 8:23742895211006819. [PMID: 33884292 PMCID: PMC8040560 DOI: 10.1177/23742895211006819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational programs, including pathology residency, to move to a physically distanced learning environment. Tandem microscopic review (also known as “double-scoping”) of pathology slides is a traditional cornerstone of pathology education. However, this requires the use of a double- or multi-headed optical light microscope which is unfortunately not amenable to physical distancing. The loss of double-scoping has forced educational innovation in order to continue teaching microscopy. Digital pathology options such as whole slide imaging could be considered; however, financial constraints felt by many departments often render this option cost-prohibitive. Alternatively, a shift toward teaching via dynamic virtual microscopy offers a readily available, physically distanced, and cost-conscious alternative for pathology education. Required elements include a standard light microscope, a mounted digital camera, computers, and videoconferencing software to share a slide image with the learner(s). Through survey data, we show immediate benefits include maintaining the essence of the traditional light microscope teaching experience, and additional gains were discovered such as the ability for educators and learners to annotate images in real time, among others. Existing technology may not be initially optimized for a dynamic virtual experience, resulting in lag time with image movement, problems focusing, image quality issues, and a narrower field of view; however, these technological barriers can be overcome through hardware and software optimization. Herein, we share the experience of establishing a dynamic virtual microscopy educational system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing readily available technology in the pathology department of a major academic medical center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Christian
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mandy VanSandt
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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14
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Vatchala Rani RM, Manjunath BC, Bajpai M, Sharma R, Gupta P, Bhargava A. Virtual microscopy: The future of pathological diagnostics, dental education, and telepathology. INDIAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/ijds.ijds_194_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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15
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Ferrari-Light D, Geraci TC, Chang SH, Cerfolio RJ. Novel Pre- and Postoperative Care Using Telemedicine. Front Surg 2020; 7:596970. [PMID: 33335911 PMCID: PMC7735987 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.596970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of telemedicine and telehealth services has grown exponentially over the past decade and has become increasingly relevant and necessary during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There remains ample opportunity to electronically connect cardiothoracic surgeons with their patients during both preoperative and postoperative visits. In this review, we examine the various implementations of telemedicine within thoracic surgery and explore future applications in this quickly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ferrari-Light
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian-Queens, Flushing, NY, United States
| | - Travis C Geraci
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephanie H Chang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robert J Cerfolio
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Martines RB, Ritter JM, Gary J, Shieh WJ, Ordi J, Hale M, Carrilho C, Ismail M, Traore CB, Ndibile BE, Sava S, Arjuman F, Kamal M, Rahman MM, Blau DM, Zaki SR. Pathology and Telepathology Methods in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:S322-S332. [PMID: 31598668 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript describes the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network approach to pathologic evaluation of minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) specimens, including guidelines for histopathologic examination and further diagnostics with special stains, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, as performed at the CHAMPS Central Pathology Laboratory (CPL) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as techniques for virtual discussion of these cases (telepathology) with CHAMPS surveillance locations. Based on review of MITS from the early phase of CHAMPS, the CPL has developed standardized histopathology-based algorithms for achieving diagnoses from MITS and telepathology procedures in conjunction with the CHAMPS sites, with the use of whole slide scanners and digital image archives, for maximizing concurrence and knowledge sharing between site and CPL pathologists. These algorithms and procedures, along with lessons learned from initial implementation of these approaches, guide pathologists at the CPL and CHAMPS sites through standardized diagnostics of MITS cases, and allow for productive, real-time case discussions and consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosecelis B Martines
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joy Gary
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wun-Ju Shieh
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jaume Ordi
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martin Hale
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carla Carrilho
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University and Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique
| | - Mamudo Ismail
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University and Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique
| | - Cheick Boudadari Traore
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology, University Hospital of Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Solomon Sava
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu County, Kenya
| | - Farida Arjuman
- National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Kamal
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Dianna M Blau
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sherif R Zaki
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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17
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Patil SK, Nair MR, Manjunath AB, Mujib BRA. Evaluation and comparison between smartphone and photomicrography based whole slide imaging. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:2319-2323. [PMID: 32754495 PMCID: PMC7380768 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_18_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context In recent years, a new concept has emerged at the forefront of slide-based diagnosis and telepathology. This is the concept of whole slide imaging. This has very recently also been tried with smartphones using complex software for photo analysis and stitching. This study is aimed to evaluate and compare the use of Jenoptik photomicrograph camera and smartphone camera-based whole slide imaging (WSI) for various microscopic preparations and slides. The study also uses a commonly available IOS smartphone device, a commonly available phone to microscope attachment, and the most commonly used Adobe Photoshop software for all stitching purposes. Aim To evaluate and compare smartphone and photomicrography-based whole slide imaging. Subjects and Methods The study was conducted at the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology in Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere. The samples included in this study are 10 slides of routine hematoxylin and eosin stain slides and 10 ground section slides of teeth and bone samples. Continuous photographs of the entire slide were captured using an IOS device and a Jenoptik camera attached research microscope at 10× magnification. The photographs were stitched using Adobe Photoshop 2017 software to obtain a whole slide image. Then, two observers analyzed the whole slide image for a possible diagnosis and thus compared the efficiency of both the methods. Statistical Analysis Used The statistical Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) H test were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 2010 Software. Results Percentage of measure of agreement was 79.5%, 83.7% and 86.3%, 89.1% for the whole slide images taken in the smartphone and photomicrograph and analyzed by Observer 1 and Observer 2, respectively. Conclusions In this study, it can be seen that the WSI by research microscopes is better than that with a smartphone and a compound microscope but still both the methods are equally good and can be followed with accurate results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi K Patil
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
| | - Mukund R Nair
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpet, Karnataka, India
| | - A B Manjunath
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
| | - B R Ahmed Mujib
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
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18
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Abstract
Patients with gynecologic cancers experience better outcomes when treated by specialists and institutions with experience in their diseases. Unfortunately, high-volume centers tend to be located in densely populated regions, leaving many women with geographic barriers to care. Remote management through telemedicine offers the possibility of decreasing these disparities by extending the reach of specialty expertise and minimizing travel burdens. Telemedicine can assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, preoperative and postoperative follow-up, administration of chemotherapy, provision of palliative care, and surveillance. Telemedical infrastructure requires careful consideration of the needs of relevant stakeholders including patients, caregivers, referring clinicians, specialists, and health system administrators.
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19
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Dietz RL, Hartman DJ, Pantanowitz L. Systematic Review of the Use of Telepathology During Intraoperative Consultation. Am J Clin Pathol 2020; 153:198-209. [PMID: 31618416 PMCID: PMC7317083 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqz155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare studies that used telepathology systems vs conventional microscopy for intraoperative consultation (frozen-section) diagnosis. METHODS A total of 56 telepathology studies with 13,996 cases in aggregate were identified through database searches. RESULTS The concordance of telepathology with the reference standard was generally excellent, with a weighted mean of 96.9%. In comparison, we identified seven studies using conventional intraoperative consultation that showed a weighted mean concordance of 98.3%. Evaluation of the risk of bias showed that most of these studies were low risk. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations such as variation in reporting and publication bias, this systematic review provides strong support for the safety of using telepathology for intraoperative consultations.
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20
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Chirra M, Marsili L, Wattley L, Sokol LL, Keeling E, Maule S, Sobrero G, Artusi CA, Romagnolo A, Zibetti M, Lopiano L, Espay AJ, Obeidat AZ, Merola A. Telemedicine in Neurological Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Telemed J E Health 2019; 25:541-550. [PMID: 30136898 PMCID: PMC6664824 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine represents an emerging model for the assessment and management of various neurological disorders. Methods: We sought to discuss opportunities and challenges for the integration of telemedicine in the management of common and uncommon neurological disorders by reviewing and appraising studies that evaluate telemedicine as a means to facilitate the access to care, deliver highly specialized visits, diagnostic consultations, rehabilitation, and remote monitoring of neurological disorders. Results: Opportunities for telemedicine in neurological disorders include the replacement of or complement to in-office evaluations, decreased time between follow-up visits, reduction in disparities in access to healthcare, and promotion of education and training through interactions between primary care physicians and tertiary referral centers. Critical challenges include the integration of the systems for data monitoring with an easy-to-use, secure, and cost-effective platform that is both widely adopted by patients and healthcare systems and embraced by international scientific societies. Conclusions: Multiple applications may spawn from a model based on digitalized healthcare services. Integrated efforts from multiple stakeholders will be required to develop an interoperable software platform capable of providing not only a holistic approach to care but also one that reduces disparities in the access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chirra
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Marsili
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Linsdey Wattley
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Leonard L. Sokol
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Keeling
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Simona Maule
- Autonomic Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sobrero
- Autonomic Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Artusi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Torin, Italy
| | - Alberto Romagnolo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Torin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Torin, Italy
| | - Leonardo Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Torin, Italy
| | - Alberto J. Espay
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ahmed Z. Obeidat
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, The Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Aristide Merola
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Fritz P, Kleinhans A, Hubler M, Rokai R, Firooz H, Sediqi A, Khachatryan A, Sotoudeh K, Mamunts D, Desai M, Omer M, Kunze D, Hinsch N, Jundt G, Dalquen P, Ott G, Aboud AA, Alscher MD, Stauch G. Experience with telepathology in combination with diagnostic assistance systems in countries with restricted resources. J Telemed Telecare 2019; 26:488-494. [PMID: 31007131 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19840475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We describe the use of telepathology in countries with restricted resources using two diagnosis assistance systems (Isabel and Memem7) in addition to the diagnoses made by experts in pathology via the iPath-Network. METHODS A total of 156 cases, largely from Afghanistan, were analysed; 18 cases had to be excluded because of poor image quality. RESULTS Of the remaining 138 cases (100%), a responsible physician provided a tentative diagnosis for 61.6% of them. With a diagnosis from a consultant pathologist, it was then possible to make a definite diagnosis in 84.8% of cases on the basis of images taken from hematoxylin and eosin staining sections alone. The use of the diagnosis assistance systems resulted in an ordered list of differential diagnoses in 82.6% (IsabelHealth) and in 74.6% (Memem7) of cases, respectively. Adding morphological terminology reduced the list of possible diagnoses to 52.2% (72 cases, Memem7), but improved their quality. DISCUSSION In summary, diagnosis assistance systems are promising approaches to provide physicians in countries with restricted resources with lists of probable differential diagnoses, thus increasing the plausibility of the diagnosis of the consultant pathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fritz
- Department of Pathology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Kleinhans
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monika Hubler
- IPath Telemedicine Network gemeinnützige GmbH, Aurich, Germany
| | - Raoufi Rokai
- Abu Ali Sina Hospital, Mazari al Sharif, Afghanistan
| | | | - Atiq Sediqi
- Mili-Medical Service, Mazari-Al-Sharif, Afghanistan
| | - Anna Khachatryan
- Department of Pathology, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Kambiz Sotoudeh
- Department of Pathology, Jam General Hospital, Teheran, Iran
| | - David Mamunts
- Department of Pathology, Central Clinical Military Hospital, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | | | - Dietmar Kunze
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora Hinsch
- MVZ Fachbereich Pathologie Lukaskrankenhaus, Neuss, Germany
| | - Gernot Jundt
- Department of Dermatopathology, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Dalquen
- Department of Dermatopathology, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - German Ott
- Department of Pathology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Mark-Dominik Alscher
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Stauch
- IPath Telemedicine Network gemeinnützige GmbH, Aurich, Germany
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Wilson ML, Sayed S, Horton S, Fleming KA. Artificial intelligence can augment global pathology initiatives - Authors' reply. Lancet 2018; 392:2352. [PMID: 30527614 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)32170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wilson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, Denver Health, Denver, CO 80204, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Shahin Sayed
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Susan Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kenneth A Fleming
- Centre for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA; Emeritus Fellow, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, UK
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24
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Weinstein RS, Krupinski EA, Doarn CR. Clinical Examination Component of Telemedicine, Telehealth, mHealth, and Connected Health Medical Practices. Med Clin North Am 2018; 102:533-544. [PMID: 29650074 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine and telehealth are the practices of medicine at a distance. Performing the equivalent of a complete clinical examination by telemedicine would be unusual. However, components of a more traditional clinical examination are part of the telemedicine workup for specific conditions. Telemedicine clinical examinations are facilitated, and enhanced, through the integration of a class of medical devices referred to as telemedicine peripherals (eg, electronic stethoscopes, tele-ophthalmoscopes, video-otoscopes, and so forth). Direct-to-consumer telehealth is a rapidly expanding segment of the health care service industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S Weinstein
- Arizona Telemedicine Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Krupinski
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road Northeast D107, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Charles R Doarn
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0582, USA
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Huang YN, Peng XC, Ma S, Yu H, Jin YB, Zheng J, Fu GH. Development of Whole Slide Imaging on Smartphones and Evaluation With ThinPrep Cytology Test Samples: Follow-Up Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e82. [PMID: 29618454 PMCID: PMC5906711 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.9518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The smartphone-based whole slide imaging (WSI) system represents a low-cost and effective alternative to automatic scanners for telepathology. In a previous study, the development of one such solution, named scalable whole slide imaging (sWSI), was presented and analyzed. A clinical evaluation of its iOS version with 100 frozen section samples verified the diagnosis-readiness of the produced virtual slides. Objective The first aim of this study was to delve into the quantifying issues encountered in the development of an Android version. It should also provide insights into future high-resolution real-time feedback medical imaging apps on Android and invoke the awareness of smartphone manufacturers for collaboration. The second aim of this study was to further verify the clinical value of sWSI with cytology samples. This type is different from the frozen section samples in that they require finer detail on the cellular level. Methods During sWSI development on Android, it was discovered that many models do not support uncompressed camera pixel data with sufficient resolution and full field of view. The proportion of models supporting the optimal format was estimated in a test on 200 mainstream Android models. Other factors, including slower processing speed and camera preview freezing, also led to inferior performance of sWSI on Android compared with the iOS version. The processing speed was mostly determined by the central processing unit frequency in theory, and the relationship was investigated in the 200-model simulation experiment with physical devices. The camera preview freezing was caused by the lag between triggering photo capture and resuming preview. In the clinical evaluation, 100 ThinPrep cytology test samples covering 6 diseases were scanned with sWSI and compared against the ground truth of optical microscopy. Results Among the tested Android models, only 3.0% (6/200) provided an optimal data format, meeting all criteria of quality and efficiency. The image-processing speed demonstrated a positive relationship with the central processing unit frequency but to a smaller degree than expected and was highly model-dependent. The virtual slides produced by sWSI on Android and iOS of ThinPrep cytology test samples achieved similar high quality. Using optical microscopy as the ground truth, pathologists made a correct diagnosis on 87.5% (175/200) of the cases with sWSI virtual slides. Depending on the sWSI version and the pathologist in charge, the kappa value varied between .70 and .82. All participating pathologists considered the quality of the sWSI virtual slides in the experiment to be adequate for routine usage. Conclusions Limited by hardware and operating system support, the performance of sWSI on mainstream Android smartphones did not fully match the iOS version. However, in practice, this difference was not significant, and both were adequate for digitizing most of the sample types for telepathology consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ning Huang
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Chun Peng
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuoxin Ma
- TerryDr Info Technology Co, Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Biao Jin
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Hui Fu
- Department of Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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