The effects of a regional telepathology project: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Digital Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Telepathology is an emerging telemedicine application in Canada for transmitting pathological images.
• Applications include expert consultation, emergency services, and education.
• The Laval University Integrated Health Network is implementing telepathology for intraoperative frozen section services in underserved areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of a telepathology system deployment.
• To assess impacts on healthcare professionals, patients, and regional healthcare delivery.
• To inform the development and implementation of telepathology services.

Main Methods:

• A three-step protocol was developed using expert-defined benefit indicators.
• A survey questionnaire will assess perceptions of pathologists, technologists, and surgeons.
• Semi-structured interviews and a pre-post design using secondary data will evaluate tangible benefits.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is designed to yield significant and internationally relevant findings.
• Expected results will detail the nature and extent of benefits from telepathology.
• The project aims to demonstrate the value of telepathology for specialist services in remote areas.

Conclusions:

• The telepathology project is anticipated to demonstrate positive and significant outcomes.
• Findings will offer valuable insights into the benefits of telepathology for intraoperative frozen section services.
• The study will contribute to the broader understanding and adoption of telepathology in healthcare.