Digital pathology
Innovations within healthcare delivery are likely to include more automation. Activities such as online booking and specialist testing are already being managed by machines. In future, digital pathology could help overstretched laboratories make vast leaps in efficiency. Digital pathology refers to technology allowing cellular pathology laboratories to share their work digitally, instead of sharing a microscope and glass slides. It allows pathologists to work remotely – a bonus especially during the pandemic– making it easier to get a second opinion on a sample while also offering learning opportunities for trainee pathologists.

Though still in its formative stages, those who have adopted digital pathology have seen positive results. One department that has been using digital pathology since 2016 saw 21% more cases signed out by pathologists per year on average since full implementation. Not only does digitalisation speed up this diagnostic process, but pathologists also regain valuable time for other critical tasks that need more attention.
Conclusion
To cope with the burden of demand, the diagnostic industry must adapt products and services for strengthened efficiency. Simultaneously, the medical device sector should continue to prioritise human factors in product development, so that healthcare professionals can conduct testing as effectively and safely as possible. The stakes are high, with a recent study showing diagnostic products were used in 88% of patients’ initial diagnosis, 77% of treatment monitoring and 72% of follow-up. A collaborative approach from medical device producers and healthcare providers could help to ensure devices are used optimally, and that professionals are given appropriate support.

About the author: Tracey Sainsbury is the group product manager at Owen Mumford.

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