The “INCTR Telepathology Program” runs on ipath, a user friendly and cheap software. It can be installed anywhere, all it needs is a computer, internet and a microscope with a camera, an ideal setting for low resource countries.
Our goal is to improve diagnosis by commenting online on submitted cases, and simultaneously stimulating knowledge of local pathologists through online case discussions. Comments and online discussions are done by the “INCTR International Faculty of consultants”, a volunteer group of experts in pathology and hematology. Our main focus is on Africa, less on Asia and Eastern Europe. Due to the shortage of pathologists in Africa, young and inexperienced pathologists are often working in remote places, they in particular do benefit from our program.
Since start 5 years ago, 1325 cases were submitted for second opinion, and 40 cases were discussed online with the staff of the submitting department. Evaluations of reliability of diagnosis resulted in 83-90% accuracy, depending on quality of submission.
Improvement of histologic and hematologic techniques is achieved by online monitoring by a support group for local technologists. This section is a unique part of our program.