Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41838893›Full record

ArticleJMIR medical informatics2026

Telepathology Development and Stakeholder Perspectives in China: Cross-Sectional Survey.

Linlin Wang, Fangfang Cui, Xianying He

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR medical informatics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Linlin Wang *National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China, 86 037167966286, 86 037167966286.ORCID 0000-0001-5213-0892
Fangfang Cui *National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China, 86 037167966286, 86 037167966286.ORCID 0000-0002-1870-7907
Xianying HeNational Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China, 86 037167966286, 86 037167966286.ORCID 0000-0001-6918-9997

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Telepathology is widely recognized for improving diagnostic access in remote areas and is strongly promoted in China to address the shortage of pathologists. However, a comprehensive national assessment of its implementation and multistakeholder perspectives remains lacking. Objective: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the infrastructure, practical application, and user experience of telepathology in China from 2018 to 2023 and to identify the key factors affecting its adoption and satisfaction levels. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional survey was administered to hospitals across China (2018-2023), alongside a parallel survey of telepathology users (2023). Data were analyzed from hospitals (sample sizes ranging from 464 to 188 across years), pathologists (n=262), and patients (n=141). Regression analysis was applied to investigate factors associated with professional satisfaction and willingness to adopt the technology. Results: The proportion of hospitals with telepathology software grew at an annual average rate of 7.60%, increasing from 29.5% (137/464) in 2018 to 42.6% (80/188) in 2023. The median number of telepathology cases per hospital increased from 51 to 200, with the fastest growth observed in the eastern region. Among pathologists, 61.1% (160/262) used telepathology weekly, 61.5% (161/262) spent 11 to 20 or 21 to 30 minutes. Pathologists reported a 95.8% (251/262) satisfaction rate, and 95% (249/262) were willing to continue participation. Convenience of system operation and service processes were associated with enhanced satisfaction and sustained engagement willingness (P<.05). Among patients, 92.2% (130/141) received diagnostic results within 24 hours, with 100% (141/141) satisfaction, and 99.3% (140/141) were willing to recommend telepathology. Conclusions: Telepathology in China grew significantly from 2018 to 2023, with high satisfaction among both pathologists and patients. For sustained development, a multilevel approach is essential: improving system usability, implementing supportive policies (eg, funding and insurance coverage), and conducting targeted promotion of its proven benefits. This integrated strategy is key to making telepathology a sustainable solution for equitable diagnostic access nationwide.

Indexed as

Stakeholder ParticipationTelepathologyAdultChinaCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleSurveys and Questionnairesdigital slide scannersperceptionssatisfactionservicesoftwaretelepathologyusage

Identifiers

PMID41838893
PMCPMC12991195

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.