Quality and Efficiency in Pathology Photography
Best Electronic Poster - Advancing the Fields of Pathology, Oncology and BioinformaticsErin Grimm MD; University of Washington Medical Center; Rosy Changchien ; University of Washington Medical Center; Kevin Fleming ; University of Washington Medical Center; Rodney A. Schmidt MD; University of Washington Medical Center;
Content:
Digital photography offers the potential for dramatic improvement in the efficiency of pathology imaging, not just through storage of images but also through re-engineered workflow processes to capture images. We analyzed the workflow involved in capturing and storing gross photos, photomicrographs, electron micrographs and immunofluorescence images then developed middleware to facilitate their acquisition and storage in our LIS. For each image type, we quantified the efficiency and quality benefits.
Technology:
Custom middleware was written in C#.Net. Image capture methods included a Canon Powershot camera SDK, TWAIN interface, and a Windows file browser for gross, microscopic/immunofluorescence and electron micrograph images, respectively. A business object model was used to abstract the user interface from the underlying database and a specific implementation was written to our LIS.
Design:
Careful workflow analysis was used to build functional requirements for each image handling workflow. Software utility and value were assessed by measuring numbers of images acquired, quality of images (gross photos), and by interviewing users and supervisors to assess other direct and indirect benefits. Gross photography was compared to a previous system.
Results:
Gross photography showed marked improvements in workflow efficiency, image focus and color quality compared to the previous system. Users reported increased satisfaction with the new system, the time needed to capture gross photos decreased by > 1 min/case, the number of gross photographs taken per month increased from an average of 310/month to 503/month, improvements were documented in both quality of focus (68% to 75%) and color (64% to 92%), new functionality (remote viewing, touch-screen compatibility and printing) was added, and technical support requests on camera and software related issues decreased from 1.7/mo to 0.5/mo. Bulk image upload from the file system supported digital electron microscopy and allowed us to eliminate a darkroom with attendant personnel and materials costs.
Conclusion:
Custom software targeted to achieve optimum workflow efficiency and close matching of functionality to real-world use results in significant improvements in photographic quality, functionality, and increase the use of pathology images in addition to streamling workflow and increasing efficiency.
