[Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare

[joelle weaver]

Well, I can't speak for everyone of course, but I know in the program that I am affiliate with that we stress, if not require, thinking beyond the manual methods. In fact, I really see an in depth understanding of basic manual histology methods as only a beginning point to how I want the future histologists to think and apply their technical knowledge.I encourage this at every opportunity myself, in every course. Crtical thinking skills, process thinking and the ability to see how our function fits into total laboratory and diagnostic patient services is stressed. I see it as imperative that this is incorporated into training in formal programs and within the lab. We cannot afford to not further this trend. I really don't see any other alternative really.

If you look at newer instrumentation, it really is little more than a computer with software and application interfaces connected to the mechanics that perform the tasks of histology. Technology is really just another tool at our disposal to perform our jobs better. We in histology, are due to begin to merge and become cohesive with the totality of healthcare delivery and to begin to operate in such a parallel manner. I believe that the emerging histologist will be better armed with a broader educational background that provides this insight,due to more structured training program requirments. I for one, certainly hope that this is the "next wave" of evolution in our practice! 

Joelle Weaver HTL(ASCP)
 
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare
> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:10:14 -0700
> From: JEllin <@t> yumaregional.org
> To: joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com
> 
> I want to throw this notion out there as well,, how are we training our
> techs to think? I would say that the majority of the histology programs
> still teach to manual methodology rather than to think out of the box
> and provide a total solution to the problem (with work flow and
> technology). In my experience I see that people tend to take technology
> and imitate their current manual process's rather than looking at
> improving the current one. I like to hear what other people think on
> this matter? It seems to me that there is a hunger for this technology
> within the histology community but a lack of knowledge on how to
> implement a viable solution to our current manual problems.. 
> 
> We are starting to see the coming of age again, an evolution within our
> field were a technology similar to IHC, FISH, etc, will change the
> course on how we tend to do things in the future. But we are not
> educating our selves or our replacements, on how to handle these issues.
> We cannot continue to solve a problem at the same level of thinking as
> the previous solution. We need to begin to have a culture and
> environmental shift in order for this technology to be adapted by the
> industry. But people we are not looking at the downstream affect of
> what our actions are, for example transcription, pathologist, send out
> etc.. I am also very passionate about this..
> 
> The University of Washington has done some excellent work on this
> solution from a histology level and as for Path view, I have heard good
> things, but you all mention barcode, incorporation, and technology. But
> what I have not heard is that it is the people that drive this to the
> fore front. This would create a "Anatomic Histo/Pathology Improvement
> System" were technology, methodology improvement, and people come
> together to create an efficient way to handle our issues.
> 
> Sorry for the long winded remark but I am also passionate about this
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Jesus A Ellin HT/PA ASCP
> 
> Department of Pathology/Histology
> 
> Yuma Regional Medical Center
> 
> 2400 South Ave A
> 
> Yuma, AZ 85364 - 7170
> 
> ( Office: (928) 336-1743
> 
> ( Fax: (928) 336-7319
> 
> * Email: jellin <@t> yumaregional.org 
> 
> 
> 
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