Implementing digital pathology: qualitative and financial insights from eight leading European laboratories

作者：Xavier Matías‐Guiu, Jordi Temprana‐Salvador, Pablo Garcia Lopez, Solène-Florence Kammerer-Jacquet, Nathalie Rioux‐Leclercq, David Clark, Christian M. Schürch, Falko Fend, Sven Mattern, David Snead, Nicola Fusco, Elena Guerini‐Rocco, Federico Rojo, Marie Brevet, Manuel Salto‐Tellez, Angelo Paolo Dei Tos, Thomas di Maio, Silvia Ramírez-Peinado, Elizabeth A. Sheppard, H. M. Bannister, A. Gkiokas, Mario Arpaia, Ons Ben Dhia, Nazario Martino · 发表于：Archiv für Pathologische Anatomie und Physiologie und für Klinische Medicin · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1007/s00428-025-04064-y · 被引用次数：22 · 研究领域：AI in cancer detection、Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection、Cell Image Analysis Techniques

Digital Pathology (DP) revolutionizes the diagnostic workflow. Digitized scanned slides enhance operational efficiency by facilitating remote access, slide storage, reporting and automated AI image analysis, and enabling collaboration and research. However, substantial upfront and maintenance costs remain significant barriers to adoption. This study evaluates DP's financial and qualitative value, exploring whether the long-term financial benefits justify investments and addressing implementation challenges in large public and private European laboratory settings. A targeted literature review, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and a net present value (NPV) model were employed to assess DP's impact on clinical practice and laboratory financials. Qualitative findings validate the key benefits of DP, including optimized workflow, enhanced logistics, and improved laboratory organization. Pathologists reported a smooth integration, improved training, teaching, and research capabilities, and increased flexibility through remote work. Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams was strengthened, while case examination efficiency and access to archival slides were notably improved. Quantitative results indicate that DP demonstrates strong financial potential, achieving cost recovery within 6 years. DP investment results in a 7-year NPV of + €0.21 million (m) driven by increased productivity and diagnosis volumes. Although the high upfront costs for scanners, training, and system i...