Scope and Challenges of “Digital Pathology Practice (DPP)” in a Low Developing Country—Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Our country, Nepal, is still among the list of low developing countries in the world and has many scopes and challenges in the diagnostic field of medical sciences, among which the subject of “pathology with its implications” needs to be standardized and improved. The core factor is the appropriate ratio between health care providers and total number of patients. Likewise, other technical issues and the monitoring aspect are always in line following lack of health care providers. Hence, introducing digital pathology practice (DPP) will be a milestone in the diagnostic field of the country. The collaboration, participation, and capacity building are fundamental to the success and sustainability of such practice initiatives. The organizations and individuals engaging for launching “digital pathology initiatives” in developing countries need to be aware of the local context in which they work (ie, available resources, needs, strengths, and weaknesses). They need to use simple solutions that appropriately meet the needs of a clinical context or community to optimize cost-effectiveness and minimize complexity in change management. The “evaluation” is vital for scalability, transferability, and continuing quality improvement of DPP. It should include documentation, analysis, and dissemination. Methods: Descriptive analysis. Conclusion: (1) Explore the scope of improving diagnostic accuracy using digital pathology practice. (2) Discuss enhancement of the existing medical education system using digital pathology practice. (3) Discuss the challenges for its sustainability.