Background
Pathologists use computers routinely for signing out cases, presenting conferences, and collecting information through WWW. A computer that is more friendly and portably would be a powerful and handy supplement tool in Anatomic Pathology. Pathologist could bring it anywhere and use it anytime to sign-out or review cases.
Aim
The aims of this project are to develop a proof of concept mobile pathology information/imaging system based on the Pocket PC and to identify the best way to capture, manage and display images with mobile devices.
Methods
The basic design problem was how to present pathology cases and images within the limited interface of the Pocket PC. We designed Pocket PC system to work with pathology information.The developed system was compared several commercial imaging systems for Pocket PC.
Ten pathologists evaluated the system for ease of diagnosis, consultation and review.
Results
We could present both pathology text information and images using the web browser (Microsoft Explorer) that had been factory installed on the Pocket PC.
Images were presented in multi-resolution image format.
With this system, pathologists could navigate images the way they wanted.
However, with the commercial systems, though the image can be magnified but could not select the location where they want to magnify.
Most pathologists could use the mobile device without detailed instruction. Although images appeared small, they were judged to be useful for identifying the major components of a case. With the use of multi-resolution image formats, excellent resolution and context could be obtained.
Pathologists were comfortable using the system for case conference review
The ability to see consult cases in a mobile environment may help facilitate case management.
Conclusion
Multimedia pathology cases can be navigated and displayed on mobile devices such as the Pocket PC. Though not as useful as a regular PC and Monitor, mobile devices have the potential to be good supplemental tools for pathology practice. Several aspects of the system, including multi-resolution image display and high capacity exchangeable storage media have implications for larger, non-portable systems. In the future, we will attempt to access the UPMC LIS using a wireless network.