Provider Attitudes Toward a Rural Telepathology Program

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Abstract
Objective To assess the attitudes of referring and consulting pathologists toward a recently initiated live video telepathology network in rural Vermont. Methods A semistructured interview was conducted with each referring pathologist before implementation of the telepathology program and again 9 months later. The interview consisted of questions concerning reasons for seeking a consultation in general and attitudes toward telepathology specifically. A questionnaire with Likert-type response categories was administered at the 9-month timepoint to the referring (N = 4) and consulting (N = 10) pathologists. This questionnaire contained items regarding communication, cost, education, quality, and timeliness aspects of telepathology. In addition, a brief mail survey was sent to attending physicians who utilized pathology services at the rural hospitals. Results The referring pathologists found the timeliness of consults using telemedicine to be a significant advantage. They also cited educational benefits bot...

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