Diagnosing cancer and tailoring personalized treatments requires a team effort like no other in medicine. It brings together oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, geneticists, and various other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. Philips is at the forefront of this transformation with their digital pathology solutions, which include whole-slide scanners, image management systems, and robust support services. Their technology has already been integrated into over 300 pathology labs, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these facilities. This shift to digital pathology allows pathologists to save time and work together remotely, producing high-quality reports and collaborating with other specialists in a patient’s care team.
Philips has made significant strides in this field. They introduced the first FDA-approved digital pathology solution in 2017, and their latest version, Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution 5.1, has recently received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This advanced solution promotes remote collaboration and teamwork, which aids in diagnosis, boosts productivity, and helps address the shortage of pathologists while reducing costs. The IntelliSite Pathology Solution offers a comprehensive, scalable system that integrates hardware, software, storage, and analysis into a seamless digital workflow. This integration not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also enhances patient outcomes.
The impact of digital pathology on productivity is notable. The Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution speeds up the review, reporting, and sign-off of cases, allowing pathologists to work from anywhere. This boost in efficiency—up to 21% compared to traditional methods—addresses the current shortage of trained pathologists and reduces overall costs. The flexibility and improved productivity are crucial for meeting the rising demand for pathology services.
The solution also supports remote collaboration, enabling pathologists to consult with colleagues and use cloud-based AI tools for precise diagnoses. This capability ensures that relevant data is accessible throughout a patient’s care journey, fostering better clinical collaboration and research opportunities. Philips’ open-platform approach allows for the integration of advanced third-party AI applications, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. For instance, combining Philips’ solution with Ibex Medical Analytics’ AI software for prostate cancer detection has shown impressive results, including a 27% increase in efficiency and a 37% rise in productivity.
Since 2013, Philips has successfully guided over 300 labs and 20 hospital pathology departments through the digital transformation, making digital diagnosis the standard and allowing pathologists to work effectively from any location. This shift not only streamlines operations but also improves patient care by providing timely and accurate diagnoses.