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Comparison of virtual microscopy and glass slide microscopy among dermatology residents during a simulated
Katherine E Brick1, Jason C Sluzevich, Mark A Cappel
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Background:
Virtual microscopy is increasingly being used in dermatopathology educational settings.
Objective:
The objective is to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and attitudes between virtual microscopy and traditional glass slide microscopy among dermatology residents.
Methods:
A 48-question dermatopathology examination was administered to 35 dermatology residents at three different dermatology residency training sites during the 2011-2012 academic year with half (n = 24) of the questions using the gold standard of glass slide microscopy and half (n = 24) using whole, scanned virtual slides. Correct number of questions using glass slides and virtual slides was evaluated. Participants were surveyed regarding previous experience with digital slide imaging; quality, ease of use, and speed of slide review; and overall microscopy preferences.
Results:
Overall, diagnostic accuracy was better with glass slides than virtual slides (p = 0.01). However, no statistically significant difference was found in diagnostic accuracy of first-year trainees (p > 0.99) or trainees with exposure to virtual microscopy greater than two times per month (p = 0.27). There was no overall personal preference for glass slide vs. virtual microscopy.
Limitations:
Different cases and questions were used for glass slides and virtual microscopy.
Conclusions:
Diagnostic accuracy with virtual microscopy is dependent on year of residency training and prior experience with virtual microscopy.
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