New research reported in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News found an automated pathology program was faster, more accurate and cost effective than manual review for meeting quality initiatives when processing tissue samples after colonoscopies.
The program has the potential to save money for practices that review a high volume of records, the researchers said.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Prior to implementing the automated pathology program, the practice featured in the study required staff to review polyp pathology manually. It took several weeks to complete 1,800 reports, and cost $5 to $8 per record reviewed.
2. To streamline the review process, the researchers used an automated classifier program to identify key works in 500 records of high-risk patients.
3. The program outperformed manual review of records, detecting 54 reports with malignancy, compared to 41 that were reviewed manually.
4. The program produced two false positives, while manual review produced four.
5. The researchers plan to develop a module for reviewing polyp pathology reports for commercial use.
