An integrated virtual pathology education platform developed using Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Teams

Area of Science:

• Digital pathology
• Medical education technology
• Health informatics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital pathology and remote learning tools.
• Existing digital pathology educational resources are fragmented, lacking a unified access environment.
• There is a need for adaptable and accessible platforms to support pathology education continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of customized low-code educational applications for pathology.
• To showcase a unified platform integrating educational resources and assessment tools.
• To demonstrate the utility of Microsoft Power Apps and Teams for creating a flexible pathology learning environment.

Main Methods:

• Development of bespoke educational applications utilizing a low-code approach with Microsoft Power Apps.
• Integration of these applications within the Microsoft Teams platform for seamless access.
• Leveraging existing Microsoft Teams functionalities (file sharing, scheduling, messaging) to enhance the educational experience.

Main Results:

• Successfully created specific, customizable applications tailored to pathology education and examination needs.
• Established a centralized, easily accessible platform for diverse educational resources.
• Enabled daily remote and distanced learning, ensuring educational continuity.

Conclusions:

• Low-code development offers an efficient method for creating specialized educational tools in pathology.
• Integrating custom applications with platforms like Microsoft Teams provides a powerful, unified solution for pathology education.
• These innovative digital approaches have significant potential to enhance pathology training beyond the pandemic.