Open AccessInternational Telepathology: Promises and Pitfalls
Author(s) -
Navid Farahani,
Michael Riben,
Andrew Evans,
Liron Pantanowitz
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pathobiology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1423-0291
pISSN - 1015-2008
DOI - 10.1159/000442390
Subject(s) - telepathology , workflow , accreditation , telemedicine , business , health care , process management , engineering management , knowledge management , computer science , medicine , engineering , medical education , political science , database , law
Innovative technologies for digital imaging and telecommunications are changing the way we deliver health care. Telepathology collaborations are one example of how delivering remote pathology services to patients can benefit from leveraging this change. Over the years, several academic and commercial teleconsultation networks have been established. Herein, we review the landscape of these international telepathology efforts and highlight key supportive factors and potential barriers to successful cross-border collaborations. Important features of successful international telepathology programs include efficient workflows, dedicated information technology staff, continuous maintenance, financial incentives, ensuring that all involved stakeholders are satisfied, and value-added clinical benefit to patient care. Factors that plague such telepathology operations include legal/regulatory issues, sustainability, and cultural and environmental issues. Pathologists, vendors and laboratory accreditation agencies will need to embrace and capitalize on this new paradigm of international telepathology accordingly.