Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology
Open Access

Lack of continuing education programs, shortages of subspecialists and skilled laboratory staff, and restricted finances are just a few of the many obstacles facing pathologists practicing in developing nations. Since there is little knowledge of Digital Pathology's (DP) benefits among decision-makers, payers, and the scientific community, DP's widespread adoption in Latin America has been hampered. Due to lack of experience with the technology, Latin American laboratories are far less efficient and farther away from industrialized markets than they would be otherwise.

Pathology slides and related meta-data can be digitally stored, reviewed, and analyzed using a combination of tools and systems called "digital pathology." essential infrastructure. The information on the glass slides is acquired, retrieved/stored, manipulated, shared, and analyzed as part of the DP process.

Digital pictures in pathology can be used for primary diagnosis, telepathology (second opinions), quality assurance (reviews and proficiency tests, etc.), teaching, research, publication, and academic presentations. Using digital technology also opens up the possibility of tracking (such as an audit record of how a picture was seen) for marketing and economic purposes.

In terms of clinical concordance, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that DP is comparable to conventional light microscopy 98.3% (95% CI 97.4 to 98.9), but minor inconsistencies were noted. Individual research has also demonstrated that DP can save money and time. The previously mentioned data doesn't seem to be enough to support. The use of DP in Latin America and a more thorough investigation into its use there might shed light on this discrepancy. This article's primary goals are to describe the experience Latin American pathologists currently have with digital pathology, identify obstacles to its adoption in the region, and suggest ways to overcome them. During the most recent pandemic, pathologists have been working remotely in a variety of situations to safeguard themselves, their families, coworkers, and the provision of clinical services. Despite the limitations on social distance, digital pathology has been demonstrated to help keep pathology lab workflows running smoothly. The experience and aspirations of Latin American pathology specialists about the application of DP in the area were discussed in this article.

Digital systems provides prospects for enhanced cost-effectiveness in pathology laboratories worldwide. However, laboratories in underdeveloped nations like Latin America may find the initial installation expenses to be a significant obstacle. Doing HEOR (Health Economic and Outcome Research) studies, which would present realworld data to establish its economic benefit, would be another option to demonstrate DP cost-efficiency in Latin America.

Compared to other medical specialties, pathology is now less digitalized and less standardized. However, the creation of sophisticated CAD-based solutions will offer enormous potential for cost savings through improved productivity and patient safety. To ensure the implementation of digital pathology systems throughout the area, a number of obstacles, including internet infrastructure, professional training, and payment concerns, must be handled.

In connection with A Latin American network of pathologists may be able to get beyond some of the obstacles with the help of other stakeholders, giving labs, pathologists, and patients access to the advantages of DP. This inevitable shift in the interpretation, reporting, and use of pathology diagnoses to clinical decision-making in the region may be facilitated by the network of Latin Americans.