Utilization of virtual microscopy in cytotechnology educational programs in the United States

Abstract

Background:Our cytotechnology (CT) program has been utilizing virtual microscopy (VM) as an adjunct educational resource since 2011.Aims:The aim of this study was to identify the utilization of VM in other CT programs across the United States (US).Subjects and Methods:A cover letter was sent to the program directors of all accredited CT programs in the US (excluding our program), requesting their participation in an online survey. After 2 days, the participants were sent an online link to the survey. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:There were a total of 25 respondents to the survey. Among the 25, three CT programs use VM. Two of the three programs have been using VM for <2 years while another program for “2–4” years. The respondents found that VM's side-by-side comparison feature helped to demonstrate differences between diagnoses and preparation methods, and VM helped to preserve the important slides by digitizing them. Respondents believed that teaching with glass slides was very important. The reasons for not using VM were that VM is expensive and time-consuming to incorporate into the program, and lack of manpower resources to create digitized teaching files.Conclusions:The CT programs that use VM found it to be a valuable educational tool. Even though many were not using VM, responses from the survey indicated they will likely use it in the future.

RecutClub.com: An Open Source, Whole Slide Image-based Pathology Education System

“…[18192021] Virtual microscopy is also used for continuing medical education, licensure/board examinations, and teaching. [2223] In addition to text and static images, WSI offers enhanced value to the learner. [2425] Evaluation of eye movements among residents in radiology as well as in pathology have offered preliminary data to suggest that users with higher training are able to hone into diagnostically relevant areas of an image; these data can be used to perfect a trainee's search strategy and image analysis skills.…”

Digital Applications in Cytopathology: Problems, Rationalizations, and Alternative Approaches

“…3). Should digital corrections for sharpness or color balance be necessary they ought to be global, applied equivalently for all integrated images [34]. With large 4K screens now reasonably available, CSDI may adequately display assembled cytological features when constructed optimally to facilitate digital image examinations as experienced at KAMC.…”

“…However, WSI systems may be expensive and thus not widely deployed. At UNMC, 2D WSI digitized files have been used effectively as building blocks to develop teaching modules [34]. In particular, 2D WSI plays a crucial role in facilitating cytology training via distance education at UNMC.…”

Next‐generation learning and training: The Cy‐TEST experience

“…Recently, scanners have become available to digitize histological and cytological slides and produce virtual slides that are navigable (just as at a microscope); this has improved case sharing and cut teaching costs drastically. Moreover, digital pathology has recently solved most technical problems with the quality of virtual slides, file storage, hardware requirements, and information technology architecture, and this has allowed research, teaching, and diagnostic applications . Consequently, several educational sites and lesion encyclopedias have appeared on the Web.…”

“…Moreover, digital pathology has recently solved most technical problems with the quality of virtual slides, file storage, hardware requirements, and information technology architecture, and this has allowed research, teaching, and diagnostic applications. [2][3][4][5][6] Consequently, several educational sites and lesion encyclopedias have appeared on the Web. Nonetheless, teaching and learning cytopathology with virtual slides has received little attention.…”