Telepathology requires specific training for the technician in the biomedical laboratory

The Italian Laurea for Health Care Professionals furnishes a high level of learning to technical personnel who will be involved in the healthcare system. It also represents a test for new models of learning in e-health and telemedicine applications. The purpose of this work was to investigate the changes in the biomedical laboratory curriculum in the healthcare system as a result of the introduction of telepathology (TP). Changes were categorized in two stages. The first stage was the inclusion of the TP as a support methodology using external furnishers to digitize the glass slides. The second is the inclusion of the TP as a consolidated routine methodology using a dedicated internal scanner to digitize the glass slides. New modules of learning have been designed to run on the wide area network to allow a better familiarization with new technologies. These new methodologies have been tested and present three tangible advantages: (1) A high level of knowledge for the student; (2) A cost-benefit advantage to the student; and (3) A cost-benefit advantage to the hospital. As the biomedical laboratories are freed up from academic applications, they thus become more available for clinical use. © Copyright 2008, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.