Assessing perceived needs for telepathology implementation in Colombia: a baseline study from Red GLORIA

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Pathology Informatics
• Global Health

Background:

• Cancer diagnosis in Colombia suffers from delays and regional disparities, especially in rural areas.
• General pathologists face challenges with limited subspecialist support for complex oncological cases.
• This contributes to diagnostic uncertainty and increased professional burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of pathology practice in Colombia regarding complex oncological cases.
• To evaluate the perceived need for and barriers to telepathology adoption among Colombian pathologists.
• To identify key factors for successful telepathology implementation.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent mixed-methods design was employed within the GLORIA project.
• Quantitative data collected via national survey (n=57) of pathologists.
• Qualitative data gathered through interviews with general pathologists (n=11) from small/mid-sized labs.

Main Results:

• 100% of participants need subspecialist support; 86% report high emotional stress due to diagnostic uncertainty and workload.
• Consultation response times vary significantly (1-7 days in Bogotá vs. >30 days in smaller cities).
• While 86% are familiar with telepathology, only 36.8% have used it; 94% believe slide scanners improve timeliness. Barriers include administrative and logistical issues.

Conclusions:

• Telepathology implementation in Colombia requires addressing technical readiness, referral workflow barriers, and pathologist needs.
• Key needs include timely feedback, shared responsibility, and learning opportunities.
• Overcoming structural and professional barriers is crucial for effective telepathology integration.