ConsulTHiS Digitizing Dermatopathology Consultation to Improve Patient Care
Honorable Mention - Pathology InformaticsLaura M Drogowski ; University of Pittsburgh;
Content:
The existing dermatopathology intradepartmental consultation process relies on pen and paper-based records and physical transport of materials. This inefficient, cumbersome process delays patient care, impedes pathologists workflow and is not easily incorporated into patient records. By creating a user-friendly database named ConsulTHiS we attempt to make forms and digital images available for viewing and review by dermatopathologists.
Technology:
ConsulTHiS is a Microsoft Access Database that allows for creation and entry of image-enriched case information. Up to five images (jpeg, tif, bmp) can be added to the case, using DBPixTM. Alert emails are sent to each consulting pathologist when a consultation is requested and to the requesting pathologist when consultations are completed.
Design:
The referring pathologist logs into the database, generates a case, has the option to add images, and selects pathologists to consult on the case. Alert emails are sent to each pathologist who can then access the case from their queue of pending consultations. Once completed, the resulting form is locked and a digital signature is applied. A pdf of the report can be generated by any pathologist involved in the consultation. Records are stored according to case accession number and requesting pathologist. Though names and patient data are not stored in the database, passwords and permissions are in place to preserve the exact diagnoses.
Results:
The resulting database allows for rapid access to consultation information, immediate notification of changes in consultation status. As an unforeseen benefit, the opportunity for consulting pathologists to form an initial impression of the case allows them to request additional materials early in the process; therefore these materials can be shipped with the case, rather than arriving after the case is evaluated once.
Conclusion:
By implementing a user-friendly, fast system, we anticipate the number of pathologists seeking second opinions to increase. Pathologists are currently deterred by the inefficiency and disorganization of the process, and the delay in the diagnosis resulting from a need to ship materials and paperwork around prevents them from seeking expert help.
