Dataset Information

Biomedical laboratory scientists and technicians in digital pathology - Is there a need for professional development?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Digital pathology (DP) is moving into Danish pathology departments at high pace. Conventionally, biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) and technicians have prepared tissue sections for light microscopy, but workflow alterations are required for the new digital era with whole slide imaging (WSI); digitally assisted image analysis (DAIA) and artificial intelligence (AI). We aim to explore the role of BLS in DP and assess a potential need for professional development.

Methods

We investigated the roles of BLS in the new digital era through qualitative interviews at Danish Pathology Departments in 2019/2020 before DP implementation (supported by a questionnaire); and in 2022 after DP implementation. Additionally, senior lecturers from three Danish University Colleges reported on how DP was integrated into the 2023 bachelor's degree educational curricula for BLS students.

Results

At some Danish pathology departments, BLS were involved in the implementation process of DP and their greatest concerns were lack of physical laboratory requirements (69%) and implementation strategies (63%). BLS were generally positive towards working with DP, however, some expressed concern about extended working hours for scanning. Work-task transfers from pathologists were generally greeted positively from both management and pathologists; however, at follow-up interviews after DP implementation, job transfers had not been effectuated. At Danish university colleges, DP had been integrated systematically in the curricula for BLS students, especially WSI.

Conclusion

Involving BLS in DP implementation and development may benefit the process, as BLS have a hands-on workflow perspective with a focus on quality assurance. Several new work opportunities for BLS may occur with DP including WSI, DAIA and AI, and therefore new qualifications are warranted, which must be considered in future undergraduate programmes for BLS students or postgraduate programmes for BLS.

SUBMITTER: Jensen CL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10943708 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Biomedical laboratory scientists and technicians in digital pathology - Is there a need for professional development?

Jensen Charlotte Lerbech CL Thomsen Lisbeth Koch LK Zeuthen Mette M Johnsen Sys S El Jashi Rima R Nielsen Michael Friberg Bruun MFB Hemstra Line E LE Smith Julie J

Digital health 20240101

<h4>Objective</h4>Digital pathology (DP) is moving into Danish pathology departments at high pace. Conventionally, biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) and technicians have prepared tissue sections for light microscopy, but workflow alterations are required for the new digital era with whole slide imaging (WSI); digitally assisted image analysis (DAIA) and artificial intelligence (AI). We aim to explore the role of BLS in DP and assess a potential need for professional development.<h4>Methods< ...[more]

PMID: 38495864

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Dataset Information

Biomedical laboratory scientists and technicians in digital pathology - Is there a need for professional development?

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Biomedical laboratory scientists and technicians in digital pathology - Is there a need for professional development?

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