Affiliations: RUIS-Laval University telepathology project, Faculty of medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada | Department of Social and preventive medicine, Faculty of medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada | Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Laval University, Québec, Canada | Centre Hospitalier Régional de Baie-Comeau, Québec, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Bernard Têtu, MD, Service d'anatomopathologie et de cytologie, Centre Hospitalier Affilié Universitaire de Québec, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, G1S 4L8, Canada. Tel.: +1 418 682 7511, Ext.: +1 2592; E-mail: bernard.tetu@fmed.ulaval.ca
Abstract: Background: The aim of the Eastern Québec telepathology project is to provide uniform diagnostic telepathology services across a huge geographic region with a low population density. This project is intended to provide surgeons and pathologists with frozen section and second opinion services anywhere and at any time across the entire region in order to avoid unnecessary patient transfer. Methods: The project has been implemented in 21 sites, each equipped with a whole slide scanner, a macroscopy station, two videoconferencing devices and a viewer/case management and collaboration solution. Of the 21 sites, 6 are devoid of a pathology laboratory. Of the remaining 15 sites, two have no pathologists, 6 have one and 7 have two or more. Results: The project has been successful and most appreciated by pathologists and surgeons. We report a number of challenges related to change management that we had to take into account in the course of implementation of this network. The challenges underscore the need for regular visits and active support to participating centers by the project team. Conclusion: The Eastern Québec telepathology network is successful and improves medical care in this region. In the course of implementation, we encountered a number of challenges which required innovative solutions.
Keywords: Telepathology, digital pathology, Eastern Quebec telepathology network, whole-slide imaging
