Perceptions of pathology informatics by non-informaticist pathologists and trainees

AbstractBackground: Although pathology informatics (PI) is essential to modern pathologypractice, the field is often poorly understood. Pathologists who have received littleto no exposure to informatics, either in training or in practice, may not recognizethe roles that informatics serves in pathology. The purpose of this study was tocharacterize perceptions of PI by noninformatics?oriented pathologists and todo so at two large centers with differing informatics environments. Methods:Pathology trainees and staff at Cleveland Clinic (CC) and Massachusetts GeneralHospital (MGH) were surveyed. At MGH, pathology department leadership haspromoted a pervasive informatics presence through practice, training, and research.At CC, PI efforts focus on production systems that serve a multi?site integratedhealth system and a reference laboratory, and on the development of applicationsoriented to department operations. The survey assessed perceived definition ofPI, interest in PI, and perceived utility of PI. Results: The survey was completedby 107 noninformatics?oriented pathologists and trainees. A majority viewedinformatics positively. Except among MGH trainees, confusion of PI with informationtechnology (IT) and help desk services was prominent, even in those who indicatedthey understood informatics. Attendings and trainees indicated desire to learn moreabout PI. While most acknowledged that having some level of PI knowledge would beprofessionally useful and advantageous, only a minority plan to utilize it. Conclusions:Informatics is viewed positively by the majority of noninformatics pathologists attwo large centers with differing informatics orientations. Differences in departmentalinformatics culture can be attributed to the varyingperceptions of PI by different individuals. Incorrectperceptions exist, such as conflating PI with IT andhelp desk services, even among those who claim tounderstand PI. Further efforts by the PI communitycould address such misperceptions, which could helpenable a better understanding of what PI is and isnot, and potentially lead to increased acceptance bynon-informaticist pathologists12 Halama