Static smartphone images supplemented by videoconferencing for breast telepathology

Area of Science:

• Digital Pathology
• Medical Informatics
• Oncology

Background:

• Telepathology utilizes static images or videoconferencing, each with limitations.
• Combining static and dynamic imaging may overcome individual technique drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a hybrid telepathology approach using static images and live videoconferencing for breast pathology diagnosis.
• To assess diagnostic concordance and pathologist satisfaction with the combined method.

Main Methods:

• 150 breast pathology cases were photographed using a smartphone and microscope.
• Images were emailed, and diagnoses were rendered verbally during Google Meet videoconferencing.
• Pathologists could request live dynamic images and utilize screen sharing for case discussion.

Main Results:

• High overall diagnostic concordance rates (mean 98.0%) were achieved across three pathologists.
• Static image quality was rated highly (mean Likert 4.2/5), while video quality showed inconsistency (mean Likert 2.5/5).
• The screen share function was highly valued (mean Likert 4.6/5).

Conclusions:

• The combined static and dynamic telepathology approach demonstrates significant potential for accurate remote diagnosis.
• Further training may reduce diagnostic discordance observed in a small subset of cases.
• This hybrid model offers a promising solution for enhancing telepathology services.