Provider attitudes toward a rural telepathology program

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Pathology
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Live video telepathology networks are emerging as a tool to improve healthcare access in rural areas.
• Assessing user attitudes is crucial for the successful implementation of new healthcare technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perceptions of referring and consulting pathologists regarding a new live video telepathology network in rural Vermont.
• To identify the benefits and challenges associated with telepathology implementation.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured interviews were conducted with referring pathologists before and after network implementation.
• A questionnaire assessed attitudes on communication, cost, education, quality, and timeliness.
• A mail survey targeted attending physicians utilizing pathology services.

Main Results:

• Referring pathologists valued the timeliness and educational benefits of telepathology.
• Concerns included scheduling inconveniences and financial sustainability.
• Consulting pathologists generally received the system well, despite recurrent technical difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Pathologists in the Vermont telepathology network reported positive benefits from the technology.
• The long-term cost-effectiveness for routine consultations requires further evaluation.