Abstract
Histopathologists diagnose cancer and other diseases by using a microscope to examine glass slides containing thin sections of human tissue. Technological advances mean that it is now possible to digitise the slides so that they can be viewed on a computer, promising a number of benefits in terms of both efficiency and safety. Despite this, uptake of digital microscopy for diagnostic work has been slow, and research suggests scepticism and uncertainty amongst histopathologists. In order to design a successful digital microscope, one which fits with the work practices of histopathologists and which they are happy to use within their daily work, we have undertaken a workplace study of a histopathology department. In this paper, we present the findings of that study and discuss the implications of these findings for the design of a digital microscope. The findings emphasise the way in which a diagnosis is built up as particular features on the glass slides are noticed and highlighted and the various information sources that are drawn on in the process of making a diagnosis.
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Acknowledgments
We are very grateful to all the histopathologists at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust who enabled us to undertake this work by allowing us to observe them. We would like to thank Professor Phil Quirke for his feedback on this paper. This report is independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health. The authors acknowledge the support of the National Institute for Health Research, through the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network.
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Randell, R., Ruddle, R.A., Thomas, R. et al. Diagnosis at the microscope: a workplace study of histopathology. Cogn Tech Work 14, 319–335 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-011-0182-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-011-0182-7