What is Pathology Informatics?Pathology Informatics has been increasing in importance as the demand for, and development of, information systems and technology continue to address healthcare industry needs. Beginning with the collection, processing, and analysis of patient specimens, the field of pathology, as a whole, generates significant amounts of data that require careful interpretation and reliable distribution to fulfill the core mission of supporting patient care. The specialty of Pathology Informatics seeks to address this crucial need. According to the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, informatics has been defined in many different ways as the field has evolved: Medical informatics is the science of how to use data, information, and knowledge to improve human health and delivery of health care services.1 The College of American Pathologists defines clinical informatics as the application of information management in health care to promote safe, efficient, effective, personalized, and responsive care.2 The domain of pathology informatics includes clinical informatics and extends to involve information- and technology-intensive elements that are unique to pathology.3,4 Pathology informatics activities have application at the individual, institutional, community, and population levels.2 API is constituted by individuals dedicated to pathology informatics and thereby seeks to find ways to support existing efforts and new approaches to growing the community through outreach and education. |