Effectiveness of a Cloud-Based Telepathology System in China: Large-Sample Observational Study.

Area of Science:

• Digital pathology
• Telemedicine
• Health informatics

Background:

• Whole-slide imaging generates large files, posing management challenges for telepathology.
• The Chinese National Cloud-Based Telepathology System (CNCTPS) was developed to address these challenges.
• CNCTPS has been operational for over four years, accumulating substantial data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the CNCTPS using a large-scale dataset.
• Key performance indicators include service volume, turnaround time, diagnostic accuracy, and economic benefits.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 23,167 cases submitted to CNCTPS between January 2016 and December 2019.
• Evaluation of service volume, turnaround time, and economic benefits.
• Follow-up analysis of 564 patients to assess diagnostic accuracy against final hospital diagnoses.

Main Results:

• CNCTPS service volume increased significantly from 2016 to 2019, with growing hospital participation.
• Median turnaround time was 16.93 hours, decreasing annually; 82.88% of cases diagnosed within 48 hours.
• Diagnostic accuracy reached 98.05%, with high sensitivity (97.66%) and specificity (98.49%), and annual cost savings of approximately $300,000.

Conclusions:

• The CNCTPS demonstrates significant potential in addressing pathologist shortages in primary healthcare settings.
• The system effectively reduces medical costs for patients.
• Promotion of CNCTPS is recommended to enhance the efficiency, volume, and quality of telepathology diagnoses.