Development of a Province-wide Open Telepathology System
Joanne Philley None, ART, MBA; PLCO; Michael Douglas McNeely ; PLCO;
Content:
The mandate of the Provincial Laboratory Coordinating Office (PLCO) is to identify reforms that will improve the organization, delivery and sustainability of laboratory services across the six Health Authorities (HAs) of the province of British Columbia (BC). The establishment of an integrated, interoperable Telepathology network has been identified as a priority project. The objectives are: (1) establish priorities and parameters for the implementation of an integrated, interoperable telepathology network that leverages existing and future infra structure and is aligned with other provincial eHealth initiatives 2) identify and develop standards that will support the development of this system to meet both regional and provincial needs.
Technology:
N/A
Design:
A collaborative, ground-up approach with Pathologists, Administrative and Medical Technologists, and Information Technology experts from the HAs was undertaken and supported by PLCO staff and two, world-recognized expert consultants. PLCO led bi weekly teleconference meetings and two 1-day seminars resulted in the: (1) development of draft standards and operating policies, (2) design of pilot projects in each HA that best serve their service, demands and form the basis for development of a province wide plan , and 3) successful submission of an application for funding to Canada Health Infoway based on the project being a model for Canada-wide Telepathology interoperability.
Results:
The program thus far has achieved the following: (1) Standards and Operating Procedures: development of a draft province-wide, federated architectural plan; a generic privacy document; business rules for storage, custodianship, referral, and other management matters; quality guidance in the form of inspection questions similar to those of the College of American Pathologists; and interaction regarding the issue of licensing medical personnel who undertake Telepathology activities outside the province for specimens collected within the province. (2) Pilot Projects: Five pilot projects involving static imaging, streaming, and whole slide technologies applied to consultation, frozen sections, quality and education were designed, budgeted, approved, and initiated. Project specific Privacy Impact Assessments were completed. (3) Canada Health Infoway agreement to provide major funding support.
Conclusion:
The pilots will blend rapidly into full clinical applications and are serving to validate and fine-tune the standards and operating procedures. The system will also allow for future growth while honoring HA management independence and will provide seamless image and report movement across administrative boundaries.
