Awareness of Digital Imaging/Telepathology Among Dental Post Graduate Students: A Survey

Abstract

Background: The collection, storage and sharing of pathological data among oral pathologists to this day is done mostly by physical transfer of slides and reports. Telepathology is a form of communication between medical professionals that includes the transmission of pathology images or testing data. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of digital pathology/telepathology among dental post graduate students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of a self constructed survey was distributed through an online portal to dental post graduate students. The survey focused on the type of respondent, knowledge of microscopic digital photography, current usage, strengths and weaknesses and perceived future direction of digital imaging in the pathology laboratory. Results: A total of 102 responses were collected. The overall response rate was 100%. 56.9% of dental post graduate students are aware of the term “Digital Pathology” or “Telepathology”. 11.8% of dental post graduate students use digital pathology in their routine practice.  20.6 % of dental post graduate students send specimens once a year. 75.5% of dental post graduate students believe that “Digital Pathology/Telepathology” can be effective for research purposes.  62.7% of dental post graduate students believe that digital pathology imaging provides faster diagnosis.  75.5% of dental post graduate students believe that digital pathology imaging has high equipment cost.  Comparison between the age of the respondents and their awareness of the term Digital Imaging/Telepathology and its scope in India stated that dental post graduate students of age group between 21-30 years were aware of the term and believed it has scope in India, but the results were insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Improved knowledge and acceptance of digital pathology and telepathology throughout the dentistry community could facilitate the communication and cooperation necessary to realize the type of initiatives capable of advancing the importance of pathologists in the changing healthcare environment.