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Technologies play an increasingly important role in the practice of pathology. Whether integrating artificial intelligence into slide review, reviewing digital images instead of actual slides, reporting test results to electronic health records (EHRs), or engaging in other advances, the pathologist must be aware of new and upcoming technology and account for it in decisions affecting the laboratory.
The CAP is here to help pathologists identify and prepare for the future of pathology and technology. Learn how to harness the power of digital technology and its interactions with staff, data, and processes and how to translate them into knowledge that pathologists can use every day. Through a range of online education courses, many offering continuing medical education (CME) credit, the CAP equips the pathologist with knowledge on how to integrate new technology and how to address informatics issues. Short online courses in pathology informatics let pathologists learn at their own pace and focus on the specific topics they want to pursue.
Informatics Pathology Courses
Informatics Essentials for Pathologists (ICBE)
Informatics education is a common training gap for many pathologists. By taking this new series introduced in 2021, the pathologist gains practical learnings through a series of case scenarios to address multiple issues:
- Laboratory efficiency
- Informed decision making
- Technology changes
- Government regulations
- Unfamiliarity with current technology
All cases are authored and peer reviewed by pathologists, for pathologists. Choose from options for an annual subscription or individual cases purchases.
Individual Cases
Computerized Clinical Decision Support for Laboratory Orders
Learn how to develop, deploy, and manage clinically useful electronic alerting in order entry systems to reduce test ordering errors and optimize the utility of the laboratory.
Troubleshooting Issues with Laboratory Test Order Workflows
The total testing process is complex. Preanalytical errors made during test order entry impact multiple departments and information systems, resulting in errors of test order fulfillment and reporting. Learn how to investigate this type of issue and identify potential root causes and possible steps you can take to resolve it.
Implementing Histology Tracking Software Successfully
Your leadership has approved funds to purchase a barcode-based specimen tracking module within the laboratory information system (LIS). You should be all set, right? Not necessarily! With this case, discover what needs to be considered in an implementation plan, including costs other than the software that could be incurred.
Patient Portals: Responding to Requirements and Challenges in Reporting Pathology Results
Pathologists have a unique role and responsibility as it relates to the electronic release of patient pathology and laboratory test results. Learn about the risks and benefits of releasing test results and the impact on the patient when they access their information through the patient portal.
How to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Costs by Standardizing Laboratory Testing across Multiple Sites
Many healthcare systems have improved patient care and reduced costs by implementing uniform laboratory testing across multiple sites. This case will explain how you can streamline test order workflows and standardize testing practices across multiple locations.
Using Clinical Decision Support Tools to Identify At-Risk Patients for Population Health Management
Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Population Health Management (PHM) tools supplement each other and other laboratory practices and reduce the overall error rate for a given at-risk event. Learn the five characteristics of good CDS, how it differs from PHM, and the process to create an effective intervention based on them.
Digital Pathology: Implementation Tips to Save Your Laboratory Time and Money
Relying just on technology to solve a workflow problem can result in wasted time and money. Pathologists needs to understand the right people to involve, the questions to ask, and the steps to take so that you can identify the best solution and provide the appropriate level of support to improve the situation.
Pre-Analytic Best Practices for a Successful Digital Pathology Implementation
Pathology increasingly relies on equipment and software that enables the use of innovative diagnostic tools such as machine learning/artificial intelligence. Learn about the pre-analytic considerations needed to ensure success in implementing a digital pathology system (eg, assessing needs, laboratory and scanning workflows) and associated best practices.
Investigating and Responding to a Patient Privacy Complaint
Patients’ personal medical information is legally protected, but errors and security breaches occur. If their information is disseminated by an unknown person and they threaten legal action, how should you respond? Learn how to answer this question and the steps you need to take to investigate the problem.
Cyberattack Awareness: Tips for Planning and Preparedness
Cybercrime is an ever-present threat, but having plans to continue operations during a computer system outage can mitigate potential damage. Likewise, preventive measures can prepare the laboratory and protect systems, equipment, and data.
Future cases may be purchased individually in the month of release.
Coming soon:
| May 2024 | Best practices for deployment of artificial intelligence/machine learning-based tools in the clinical lab |
| August 2024 | Mitigating risk during EHR downtimes |
| November 2024 | Tips for installing and using middleware effectively |
The 2024 annual subscription includes four cases per year. Topics covered include Computerized Clinical Decision Support for Laboratory Orders and those listed above.
Interfaces and Middleware: Laboratory Information System (LIS) Connectivity Options that Can Improve and Streamline Laboratory Operations
An online course to teach you about interfaces and transmission of patient data, the role and challenges of using middleware, and typical steps for the set-up process.
Note: This course is available at no charge and does not offer CME credits.
Tackling Today’s Technology: A Pathologist’s Guide to Health IT Basics
Appropriate for practicing pathologists as well as other laboratory professionals and pathology residents, this course provides an overview of desktop computers, networks, databases, report writing, and laboratory information systems (LIS). Included are discussions of deploying digital imaging systems and government regulations related to informatics technology.
Note: This course is available at no charge and does not offer CME/CE credits.
Laboratory Information System (LIS) Fundamentals
A high-level overview of design, architecture, and functionality of various laboratory information systems.
Note: This course is available at no charge and does not offer CME credits.
Working with Electronic Health Records: Practical Insights for Pathologists
A quick online course to help practicing pathologists and pathologists in training gain fundamental knowledge of electronic health records (EHRs) in everyday practice.
Note: This course is available at no charge and does not offer CME/CE credits.
Telepathology and Whole Slide Imaging
This overview provides and understanding of telepathology, whole slide imaging (WSI), and their applications in decision making. Scenarios help discuss appropriateness of each in the practice setting.
Note: This course is available at no charge and does not offer CME/CE credits.
The Clinical Informatics Committee of the CAP also provides further informatics information and resources on the Clinical Informatics Resource Center, including recorded webinars, published materials, and news and updates on artificial intelligence.