Usage-inspired Interactive Digital Pathology System for Pathology Instruction in Indonesia

BackgroundCOVID-19 shifted Indonesian education to remote learning. The Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing (UGM FMPHN) struggled with studying tumor images remotely due to resource shortages. In parallel, the University of Dundees (UoDs) OME team created OMERO for image management, inspiring UGM to use OMERO to develop GamaPath for web-based image viewing. This report details its implementation, effectiveness, and potential expansion to practical sessions and workshops in Indonesia. MethodsTeaching slides were scanned in Indonesia and imported into OMERO at UoD. UGM students, residents, and clinicians used GamaPath for anatomical pathology training for several sessions between 2022 and 2024. GamaPath was also used for national continuing education sessions for pathologists held through 2023. Experiences and evaluations were collected via online surveys and results were assessed by modified MARuL scores. ResultsThe UoD-UGM collaboration produced an application satisfying the initial need for remote teaching during COVID lockdown. However, after returning to in-person teaching, access to interactive training materials online was considered to be an essential part of effective instruction by students and faculty. The GamaPath application provided flexible access to interactive materials that enhanced the educational experience. Of 256 survey respondents, mean modified MARuL score for GamaPath web app was 40.92 (SD = 10.73) with a median of 41 (IQR = 34- 50). Among the 107 pathologists who used GamaPath for national continuing education, the majority gave it the highest possible rating for functionality, ease of use, and overall experience. ConclusionsUGMs FMPHN collaborated with UoD to create a digital pathology platform based on OMERO, improving image analysis and feedback for practical sessions and workshops using GamaPath.