The field of telepathology has some exciting trends on the horizon. Continue reading for the ultimate forecast in what to expect in the future.
Telepathology is opening up some exciting doors for doctors and their patients.
Pathology is the study of disease. It is foundational and crucial for virtually every aspect of patient care.
Pathologists are largely responsible for many advances in medicine. The drastic reduction of polio, the development of vaccines, and new treatments for viruses and cancer, just to name a few.
Telepathology is taking things to the next level. Let’s take a quick look at what it is and the top emerging trends.
What Is Telepathology?
First, let’s talk real quick about the telepathology definition. At first glance, it may look like something out of a sci-fi movie. But we’re not talking about strange ideas like telepathy here.
We’re talking about the very real and practical field of pathology within the medical field. Technology is now making it possible for pathologists to communicate and consult remotely.
Organ Procurement
Getting the right organ to the right patient is a complicated process. Donors need to be matched to recipients with the most careful attention to detail. Otherwise, the recipient could suffer or even die.
Pathologists perform autopsies on the deceased donors and their organs to determine their suitability for a particular patient. It’s a complicated process made worse if the donor is on one side of the world and the recipient is on the other.
Telepathology allows the patient’s doctors and the donor’s pathologists to communicate effectively and efficiently. Both parties have the information at hand necessary to provide the best care for the patient.
Whole Slide Imaging
Whole slide imaging is an exciting tool that is part of what makes telepathology possible. Glass slides are scanned and turned into digital ones. Now the pathologist can enhance the image and is better able to examine it.
Plus, in digital form, it is easy to share slides and information with doctors and other pathologists around the world.
Real-Time Pathology Reports
With digital slides, it’s also now possible to get real-time pathology reports without a pathologist on hand. This is a huge benefit for doctor’s offices and clinics.
If they didn’t have their own in-house pathologist they had to send it off to a lab. They then had to wait for the report. Depending on the situation it could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Now, with telepathology, doctors can connect with a pathologist and send information back and forth in real time. As a result, the patient gets faster treatment for their ailment.
Telepathology and the Future
These are just some of the exciting telepathology trends that are taking shape. As technology develops the field will further evolve and continue to give doctors and pathologists the tools they need to better serve their patients.
To learn more about the future of telepathology, be sure to check out our post on the future of digital pathology. And take a peek at the rest of our blog. It’s filled with lots of exciting and innovative information!
