A jigsaw puzzle can frustrate many people and consume a lot of time; putting together the pieces of digital pathology is no different. Below learn how the tips of assembling a jigsaw puzzle can help you put together the pieces of digital pathology; then try your luck at the pathology puzzle below.
- Puzzle- Dump out the pieces, flip them all over, and review the cover of the box.
- Digital Pathology- evaluate what resources you have that can support your program, brainstorm, and learn from others who have been successful at using digital pathology.
- Puzzle- Do the border first.
- Digital Pathology- Establish your cornerstone pieces by creating a thorough plan that clearly identifies where digital pathology can help and what results you want to achieve.
- Puzzle- Separate all the pieces into groups according to their texture or color.
- Digital Pathology- Identify all your options including scanners, data management, image analysis, and IT infrastructure. Group similar solutions together and understand how they compliment each other.
- Puzzle- Start to put pieces of the same group together to form an image.
- Digital Pathology- Collect information through and RFI/RFP process, then evaluate solution options that align well with your plan. Do not forget to give them a test run!
- Puzzle- Make all the other images shown on the box.
- Digital Pathology- The pieces of the picture are understood, now it is time to decide and purchase the best solution for you.
- Puzzle- Connect the images using the colored pieces of the background.
- Digital Pathology- Implement the solution and put it to work for you.
- Puzzle- Save and/or preserve your finished masterpiece.
- Digital Pathology- Create a validation plan that allows your solution to evolve with you and that will allow you to benchmark performance every 3-6 months. Also, create a plan B to mitigate risk and to allow for changes in the future. Then share your successes!
Overall, the pieces of the digital pathology puzzle are straightforward. You need to plan, select, implement, and validate your solution. However, the details of each of these pieces can be complicated. If you are overwhelmed by the process, do not know how to begin, or are worried about the investment risk you may want to seek help from a consultant. To learn more about digital pathology consultants,
click here. Now test your skills below and see if you learned anything! The image is courtesy of Keith Kaplan, MD and fellow industry blogger at
www.tissuepathology.com
