Multi-centred validation of digital whole slide imaging for routine diagnosis
What to expect?
This multicentre trial compares Light Microscopy (LM) to Digital Pathology (DP) with multiple observers across several pathology domains including: breast and colorectal screening biopsies, renal pathology and skin areas in order to demonstrate the likelihood of non-inferiority of either modality. Five hospitals across the UK report on these samples, which include cancer screening biopsies and are enriched for areas of difficulty.
The iPERFORMS team examines the visual search behaviour of pathologists when using DP image sets so as to develop both practical and theoretical understanding of the nature of DP diagnostic errors. This builds upon the body of eye tracking research in breast screening radiology which has led to identifying three sources of observer error (visual, perceptual and cognitive) that can then be targeted so as to improve future DP performance.
The £2.1m study is funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme.
The introduction of digital pathology has fantastic potential benefits for patients. We can expect to be able to read samples more quickly than before and the big advantage is that we can use the computer to easily manipulate an image or its data.
DR DAVID SNEAD, CONSULTANT PATHOLOGIST, UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE NHS TRUST
