Many pathology services in the UK and internationally are undergoing huge transformations in the way pathologists view and analyse tissues samples, moving away from analogue reading of the samples using a microscope to digital images viewed electronically. This concept is referred to as Digital Pathology.
North West London Pathology (NWLP), hosted by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, is due to commence this transformation to its services in early 2023. A key priority for the team was to engage patients with this research programme, providing patients an opportunity to contribute to and shape discussions relating to the use of digital pathology and artificial intelligence for research and their care, and commissioned ICHP to support with delivery of robust and meaningful patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).
I have found it educative, and it gave me plenty of insight into how my treatment is being processed and carried out. Make me feel part of my own treatment. Made me feel more confident in explaining to people the benefits of AI.
Researchers at Imperial College London were particularly interested in establishing a research programme focused on using the data generated by the digital pathology conversion at North West London Pathology (NWLP) to improve the way diagnostic reporting is carried out, for the benefit of patients. To this end, engaging with members of the public was imperative, both to understand what acceptable use of the data looked like, but also understand the pain points of the current pathway from their perspective was imperative.
Through a series of workshops, we engaged with public and patients to:
