Practical considerations for pathologists when selecting digital pathology systems: an ESDIP guide

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Medical Informatics
• Health Systems Engineering

Background:

• Digital pathology (DP) implementation is increasing in various laboratory settings, impacting workflows.
• Limited guidance exists for evaluating DP systems before acquisition and deployment.
• Substantial investment and strategic implications necessitate a structured evaluation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive approach for the pre-deployment assessment of digital pathology systems.
• To guide pathology departments, IT teams, and decision-makers in selecting appropriate DP solutions.
• To support the integration of computational pathology within existing infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• Developed by the European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP).
• Outlines a practical guide based on collective institutional experience and literature review.
• Describes key parameters for evaluating core DP ecosystem components (scanners, IMS, workstations, storage, LIS).

Main Results:

• Highlights methodological differences for large-scale vs. single-institution procurement.
• Emphasizes realistic workload testing, interoperability, and long-term scalability.
• Integrates technical and clinical perspectives for informed decision-making.

Conclusions:

• A structured, context-aware evaluation process is essential for DP system acquisition.
• The guide supports selection of DP solutions aligned with institutional needs and capabilities.
• Facilitates future integration of computational pathology.