Provincial Telepathology Networks And Their Connection Into National/Central Telepathology Network In China: A Result Analysis From 2012 To 2015

Abstract

Introduction/ Background

In recent years, telepathology has played an increasingly important role in pathology consultation/second opinion. SinceChinaimplemented a national/central telepathology network for cancer diagnosis in 2011, many provinces have also planned and implemented their own provincial or local telepathology networks.

Aims

We here reported the provincial telepathology network and their operation from 2012 to 2015. We also reported their connection to national/central network.

Methods

All available provincial and local telepathology networks inChinawere surveyed. Only those provincial or local telepathology networks meet following criteria were included: (1) Network uses whole slide images and internet based platform technology; (2) Network sponsored or owned by provincial or local pathology quality control center; (3) Network currently functioning.

Results

From 2011 to Dec 2015, 6 provincial telepathology networks have been implemented. Xinjiang provincial network was set up in 2011 and connected to 40 local hospitals; Shandong provincial network (www.pathol- ogy.telemedicine.net.cn) was established in 2012 and connected to 50 local hospitals; Hainan provincial network (59.50.108.88) was set up in 2013 and connected to all 50 local hospitals in the province; Guangxi provincial network (www.gx.chinapathology.cn) was set up in 2013 and connected to 28 hospitals; Shenzhen city network (www.szcenter.cn) was set up in 2013 and connected to 15 local hospitals; Fujian provincial network (www.fj.mpathology.cn) was connected to 107 local hospitals. By 2015, 5 out of the 6 provincial networks have connected to national/central network. From 2012 to 2015, both national/central network and provincial networks provided pathology consultation for a total of 78,264 patients. Our survey indicated that in recent years multiple provincial telepathology networks have been set up in China. Through both national/central and provincial networks, telepathology consultation has played an important role in reducing diagnostic errors inChina.