Implementation of Telecytology in Georgia for Quality Assurance Programs

Abstract

The field of eHealth is rapidly evolving. The new models and protocols of application of info-communication technologies for healthcare purposes are developed. Despite of obvious advantages and benefits practical application of eHealth and its possibilities in everyday practice is slow. Much progress has been made around the world in the field of digital imaging and virtual slides. But in Georgia telecytology is still in evolving stages. It revolves around static telecytology. It has been revealed, that the application of easy available and adaptable technology together with the improvement of the infrastructure conditions is the essential basis for telecytology. This is a very useful and applicable tool for consulting on difficult cases and implementation of quality assurance programs in the field of cytology. Telecytology has significantly increased knowledge exchange and thereby ensured a better medical service. The chapter aimed description of practical application of telecytology under conditions of Georgia as well as presentation of telecytology usage for implementation of quality assurance programs in the field of cytology.

Digital cytopathology

“…Most commonly, it is used to obtain second opinion, i.e., expertise in cytology by transmission of images from areas with limited resources or by speeding up consult process. [ 29 ] Digital imaging has been employed in evaluation of gynecologic material obtained by cytobrush technique (PAP tests)[ 30 31 ] and nongynecologic material (aspirates of breast, thyroid, pancreas, pleural fluid specimens). [ 32 33 34 35 ]…”