Needs Assessment of Pathologists Using Telepathology Systems.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Pathology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telepathology consultation needs vary among pathologists.
• Improving consultation quality is crucial for accurate diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most common telepathology consultation needs based on anatomical tissue sections.
• To enhance the quality of telepathology consultations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted.
• A four-question questionnaire assessed consultation needs.
• 16 pathologists from Kerman province, Iran, participated.

Main Results:

• Pathologists require consultation in approximately 7.5% of cases.
• The highest consultation needs are for articular and bone tissue, soft tissue, and lymphoid system samples.
• Expertise in these areas is recommended for consultant pathologists.

Conclusions:

• Pathologists most frequently need consultations for articular/bone, soft tissue, and lymphoid samples.
• Findings support the effective implementation of telepathology systems.
• Telepathology is beneficial for consultations in rural and remote areas.