Evaluation of Telepathology Systems and Practices

The purpose of this research project is to determine the feasibility and utility of Whole Slide Imaging WSI and Robotic Microscopy in a number of pathology laboratory environments. Our research project involves three phases. Phase 1 evaluates the utility and feasibility of a WSI-Based Educational SlideImage Collection. Phase 2 evaluates inter- and intra- facility Quality Assurance QA practice using WSI. Finally, Phase 3 compares the utility and feasibility of real-time robotic microscopy for consultation to that of WSI. The Telepathology projects have been successfully implemented and results are encouraging. Primary goals include evaluation of WSI and robotic microscopy as potential platforms for USAF pathology. USAF advocates and leaders for digital pathology are working to strategize integration of digital pathology into the AFMS. It is hypothesized that digital slides can be effectively implemented within existing workflows and will be useful in establishing timely inter-facility diagnoses and consultation across multi-facility health systems. In summary, current Telepathology systems, especially whole slide imaging, are capable of providing useful levels of surgical pathology reviews across distributed health systems and they will only improve over time.