Telepathology

The development of a Queensland-wide videoconferencing network provided an opportunity to develop telepathology. In 1999, weekly videoconferences bega n with remote laboratories and clinical staff in four peripheral hospitals and the Royal Brisbane Hospital and in 2000 biweekly videoconference pathol ogy grand rounds started across Queensland with up to six sites, from Cairn s to the Gold Coast, joining in or presenting. The average number of sites connected was 3.0 in 1998, 3.5 in 1999, 4.4 in 2000 and 4.5 in 2001. Proble ms included the complexity of the system, timing and need for bookings, coo rdination of presenters and presentations, and the time needed to organize sessions, set up linkages, advertise sessions and attend the telepathology conference. Successful meetings have been associated with well prepared cas es, time for discussion, attendance by all sites, timeliness of cases and r esponses, and the presence of experts to respond to questions, as well as e ffective linkages and trouble-free hardware. Future needs include better in frastructure and trained staff to coordinate the linkages and presentations . Telepathology has an important part to play in the provision of cost-effe ctive medical care in Queensland.