Assessment of the implementation of digital pathology

The change from diagnosing by using a microscope to now diagnosing via digital images, as well as changes in the previous handling of tissue samples, is a huge change in the daily tasks and work flows of the staff. The experiences from the pathological departments may provide valuable information about the impact of digitalisation of hospitals which will be relevant for implementation processes across the healthcare sector in the coming years.

AIM

The overall aim of the project is to assess the changes in individual procedures and work flows in the department, as well as changes in productivity as a result of the implementation of digital pathology in the Region of Southern Denmark. Furthermore, the project aims to collect data which can be used as a basis for decisions on how to implement digital solutions within the healthcare sector in Denmark and other countries in the coming years.

The specific aims of the project are:

1. to assess the opinions, expectations and experiences of the staff, in order to collect data about readiness, adaptability and acceptance of digital pathology.
2. to describe and analyse the methods applied in the implementation process by assessing the connection between theoretical change leadership and technological adaption models.
3. to estimate the impact of digital pathology on work flows and time spent per task.

PARTNERS

The project is a PhD project by Minne Line Nedergaard Mikkelsen.

Kristian Kidholm (CIMT), Marianne Harbo Frederiksen (University of Southern Denmark), Niels Marcussen (Department of Clinical Pathology, OUH) and Bethany Williams (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) are supervisors on the PhD project.

EXTERNAL FUNDING

The project is financed by CIMT, SDU, Sygehus Sønderjylland and the Department of Clinical Pathology at OUH.