Since its invention in 1985, telepathology has been used in numerous applications in universities, hospitals, and research centers around the world.
Today, telepathology is even more accessible, and all medical professionals need to understand where this technology is headed to avoid lagging behind the competition.
Keep reading to learn more about the future of digital pathology.
1. Faster Organ Procurement Process
The average wait time for a kidney is between three and five years. Wait times for other organs vary, but everyone can agree that speeding up this process will help save lives.
Telepathology is one way to procure organs more quickly for those who are waiting for transplants.
Pathologists are a necessary step in the procedure as they verify the health of the organ and the donor. When digital pathology technology is used, this part of the process is significantly faster, which helps recipients get into surgery more quickly.
2. Whole Slide Imaging Technology
Whole slide imaging produces digital versions of physical slides by using special devices designed for this purpose. It allows slides to be shared between pathologists around the world, which provides several benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these advantages.
Cost-effective Access to Specialists
Smaller hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities may not be able to afford to keep numerous specialists on staff. However, if they want to provide the best possible care to their patients, they will occasionally need access to specialists.
Through digital pathology, these smaller healthcare organizations can gain access to specialists and get the information they need to help diagnose and treat their patients.
Builds Global Connections
Today, technology allows us to connect with others around the world. With telepathology, people in remote locations can connect with expert pathologists to ensure proper diagnoses of patients.
Creates Educational Opportunities
The third advantage of whole slide imaging is that it allows for more educational opportunities. Rare conditions that may not be seen during clinical rotations can be observed digitally, expanding the knowledge of medical students.
In 2017, the FDA approved the marketing of whole slide imaging technology. That means that this valuable resource will soon become more readily available to healthcare professionals around the world.
3. Digital Organization Procedures
The third trend you can expect to see soon with telepathology services is a greater need for organization. As with many technological advances, it takes time for facilities to learn the best way to maintain organization.
We may also start to see more federal, state, and local laws regarding the creation, storage, and sharing of slide images and other information gained from digital pathology.
These laws will be designed primarily for the protection of the patient so that personal information doesn’t wind up in the wrong hands.
Need Telepathology Services?
Now you know why you would want to use telepathology in your healthcare facility and the three main trends in digital pathology you should look out for.
For more information on telepathology, contact us today.
