Static telepathology consultation service between Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai and Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Hospital, Barshi, Solapur, Maharashtra: an analysis of the first 100 cases.

ABSTRACT

Telepathology is the practice of pathology at a distance. Static telepathology is employed to achieve teleconsultation between a tertiary cancer referral centre, Tata Memorial Centre and a sister concern in rural area viz. Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital, Barshi, Solapur. This is an analysis of the first 102 cases. Two transcontinental consultations have not been included in statistical analysis. A diagnosis was offered in 99 (99%) cases; whereas it was deferred in only I (1%) case. Clinically important or relevant diagnosis were achieved in 93/ 99 (93.93%) of cases. Major discrepancies were encountered in 6/99 (6.06%) of cases. A total of 79% of cases were reported within 3 days, of which 32% were reported within 8 hours (a single working day) and 47% within 1-3 days. Telemedicine can be used effectively to bridge the gap between medically underprivileged, geographically distant rural areas and advanced centers with technical expertise using cheaper static store and forward methodology.