NHS Pathology IT Strategy Conference

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NHS Pathology IT Strategy Conference

• Workshop Feedback
• Pathology imaging

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Issues identified

• Many possible uses of pathology imaging
  identified incl. Education, CPD, image analysis,
  obtaining rapid second opinions
• Potentially exciting developments in the
  profession because of new imaging techniques
• What is the added benefit of pathology imaging?
• And who to?
• Integration with existing LIS is a major problem.
• Existing systems are proprietary, non standard
• What do we need in terms of formal standards for
  LIS integration?
• Data storage, backup, sharing will be problematic
  as we could generate terabytes or petabytes of
  image data.
• How to handle image security and data sharing.
• Standards needed! (like DICOM for pathology)
• Acceptability and safety of the systems is
  unknown
• Heterogeneity of pathology imaging (micro,
  analysers, macro, whole slide images) presents
  problems
• Cultural issues with digital imaging
• What is their role in potential centralisation of
  services?
• Is this a bad thing?
• Acceptability of the images to professionals

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Implications for IT systems

• Messaging standards (between systems and between
  hospitals) need to be modified to include imaging
• Will the N3 network be able to cope?
• Extensive work is needed on changing LIMS to
  accommodate pathology imaging
• Data storage and archiving will need to be
  considered do we need regional or national data
  stores like PACS?

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Workshop recommendations

• The DH should
• Establish if the technology is safe, efficient,
  relevant and cost effective.
• Consider the bandwidth implications of pathology
  imaging.
• Consider management/ structural challenges of
  whole slide imaging including training.
• CfH should
• Understand the specific issues of Pathology
  imaging INCLUDING messaging needs
• Consider the cost issues of the technology
• Specify requirements for pathology imaging for
  LIM vendors
• Agree standards for interoperability
• Industry should
• Develop interfaces for links to LIMS in respect
  of pathology imaging.
• Meet agreed standards, working with CFH and
  users.
• Diagnostic services should
• Establish if the technology is safe, efficient,
  relevant and cost effective
• Look at the other benefits of the technology.
• Agree standards for interoperability
• Establish guidance on data retention

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More information

• www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk