Telepathology

The development of a Queensland-wide videoconferencing network provided an opportunity to develop telepathology. In 1999, weekly videoconferences began with remote laboratories and clinical staff in four peripheral hospitals and the Royal Brisbane Hospital and in 2000 biweekly videoconference pathology grand rounds started across Queensland with up to six sites, from Cairns to the Gold Coast, joining in or presenting. The average number of sites connected was 3.0 in 1998, 3.5 in 1999, 4.4 in 2000 and 4.5 in 2001. Problems included the complexity of the system, timing and need for bookings, coordination of presenters and presentations, and the time needed to organize sessions, set up linkages, advertise sessions and attend the telepathology conference. Successful meetings have been associated with well prepared cases, time for discussion, attendance by all sites, timeliness of cases and responses, and the presence of experts to respond to questions, as well as effective linkages and trouble-free hardware. Future needs include better infrastructure and trained staff to coordinate the linkages and presentations. Telepathology has an important part to play in the provision of cost-effective medical care in Queensland.