Key Emerging Trends in Digital Pathology - with KLAS Research

In this illuminating episode of PathPulse: Pathology Innovators in Action, host James Thackeray sits down with Eder Lagemann, Global Director of Digital Pathology, and Sidney Tate, Insights Director from KLAS Research, to explore the evolving landscape of digital pathology. KLAS Research is a global firm dedicated to improving healthcare by amplifying the provider's voice through data and insights on software, services, and medical equipment.

Transcript: https://lumeadigital.com/trends-digital-pathology-podcast/

This conversation offers a deep dive into the key trends and driving forces behind digital pathology adoption. Comparing its journey to the successful digital transformation in radiology decades ago, Eder and Sidney reveal striking similarities in the initial uncertainties and ultimate undeniable benefits.

You'll discover:

• Contrasting Adoption Rates: Why Europe has traditionally led the U.S. in digital pathology adoption, primarily due to differing funding structures (e.g., NHS-driven initiatives) and regulatory pathways (CE marking vs. FDA clearance).
• Accelerating U.S. Growth: Despite being behind, the U.S. market is rapidly gaining momentum, with a 10 percentage point increase in organizations looking to incorporate digital pathology into their enterprise imaging strategies. Reference labs, in particular, are nearing 100% adoption or exploration.
• The "Why" Behind the Shift: While patient care improvement remains at the heart, organizations are increasingly driven by operational efficiencies (reducing courier costs, simplifying logistics) and the long-term ROI potential of AI integration.
• Real-World ROI: KLAS's research indicates that organizations adopting digital pathology are at minimum breaking even, and often seeing financial benefits through efficiency gains and enhanced collaboration.
• Industry Needs for Widespread Adoption: The experts highlight critical areas for improvement, including the need for regulatory clarity on digital slide storage (to avoid dual physical and digital costs) and a stronger push for industry-wide standards like DICOM to foster interoperability and streamline implementations.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital pathology landscape from two of the industry's leading research authorities. Learn what's driving progress, what hurdles remain, and how collaboration and standardization are key to unlocking the full potential of digital diagnostics.

Submit questions for our future recordings here: https://lumeadigital.com/ask-a-pathologist-podcast/

Sponsored by the Digital Diagnostic Summit and Lumea.