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AXREM Insights bringing you insights from within the industry. We'll be talking to our team and our members and delving into the people behind the products and services.
AXREM Insights
S5 Ep4 Digital Pathology: Building the Future, One Scan at a Time
In this enlightening episode of AXREM Insights, Melanie Johnson and Sally Edgington sit down with Kayleigh Patterson, Product and Release Manager for Digital Pathology at Fujifilm Healthcare UK and convener of AXREM’s Digital Pathology Special Focus Group. Kayleigh shares her inspiring journey from working in an NHS histology lab to leading innovation in the digital pathology space. With over a decade of experience, including supporting the UK's first clinical use of digital pathology, Kayleigh provides an expert perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Her passion for transforming patient care through digital innovation shines through, particularly in her focus on standardisation, workflow optimisation, and the future integration of AI.
The conversation also explores the value of AXREM’s Digital Pathology Special Focus Group, which offers a collaborative platform for industry stakeholders to unite around shared goals. With diverse companies involved across the digital pathology workflow, the group is already driving alignment on pressing issues such as image standards, retention guidelines, and best practice integration. Kayleigh highlights the unique power of AXREM to bring competitors together in a constructive, transparent space to champion change across the NHS. As the group develops resources and builds towards a digital pathology manifesto, the future looks promising for wider adoption and visibility of this vital discipline.
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[00:00.000 --> 00:05.000] Welcome to Axrem Insights, developing healthcare through medtech and innovation.
[00:05.000 --> 00:11.000] Join Melanie Johnson and Sally Edgington as they talk with our industry leaders and experts.
[00:11.000 --> 00:14.000] I'm Melanie Johnson and I'm here with Sally Edgington.
[00:14.000 --> 00:17.000] Today we have the pleasure to be speaking to Kayleigh Patterson,
[00:17.000 --> 00:22.000] Product and Release Manager for Digital Pathology at Fujifilm Healthcare UK
[00:22.000 --> 00:25.000] and Axrem's Digital Pathology Special Focus Group convener.
[00:25.000 --> 00:28.000] So welcome Kayleigh and thank you for being on our show today.
[00:28.000 --> 00:33.000] Now let's get started by handing over to you to tell us a little bit about yourself and what's your story?
[00:33.000 --> 00:36.000] Hi all, so thank you Mel.
[00:36.000 --> 00:42.000] So my name is Kayleigh Patterson, I am the Product and Release Manager for Fujifilm UK.
[00:42.000 --> 00:53.000] I started off my career in the Histology NHS Laboratory in 2016 at University Hospitals Coventry in Warwickshire.
[00:54.000 --> 01:00.000] I was there for 12 years where I studied throughout my duration there,
[01:00.000 --> 01:07.000] progressing to complete my Biomedical Sciences degree, part-time while still working full-time,
[01:07.000 --> 01:11.000] in which I obtained a First Class Honours degree.
[01:11.000 --> 01:19.000] I also then went on to participate in my HCPC registration to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
[01:19.000 --> 01:22.000] And within my work at University Hospitals Coventry in Warwickshire,
[01:22.000 --> 01:31.000] it was the first hospital in the UK to implement digital pathology for clinical diagnostic use over 10 years ago now.
[01:31.000 --> 01:35.000] And how did you get into industry then Kayleigh?
[01:35.000 --> 01:42.000] So from there, seeing the impact that digital pathology has within the NHS and the impact to patient timelines,
[01:42.000 --> 01:49.000] I really kind of felt that it's just the progression and where we need to move from a histology perspective.
[01:49.000 --> 01:57.000] So as a histology discipline, there's not many things we can do to create any more automatic automation within the process.
[01:57.000 --> 02:04.000] It's a very manual, heavy process in the laboratory and digitalisation of that is really the kind of move forward.
[02:04.000 --> 02:11.000] So seeing the impact it had led me to want to focus purely on the digital pathology element.
[02:11.000 --> 02:20.000] Fantastic. And have you been at Fuji for all of your kind of industry career or have you kind of started somewhere else?
[02:20.000 --> 02:29.000] Yes, my last few years in the NHS, I supported the digital pathology implementation, which was owned at the time by GE.
[02:29.000 --> 02:35.000] And so when that came to a closure, the company who then obtained the software approached me
[02:35.000 --> 02:40.000] and asked if I would like to join them as an application specialist for the application.
[02:40.000 --> 02:46.000] Fujifilm then went on to purchase that product and I've been with Fujifilm for nearly five years now.
[02:46.000 --> 02:54.000] So starting off as a clinical application specialist, progressing to a team leader and now my position as product and release manager.
[02:54.000 --> 02:59.000] Fantastic. So I'm going to set the scene a little bit for our digital pathology special focus group.
[02:59.000 --> 03:03.000] We've obviously got a very active future leaders council within Axrem.
[03:03.000 --> 03:10.000] And when we were talking last year about different work streams that that group could do, they come up with the suggestion
[03:10.000 --> 03:15.000] it's something that I'd thought about previously of having a digital pathology special focus group
[03:15.000 --> 03:20.000] because it's very aligned to, you know, imaging in terms of radiology.
[03:20.000 --> 03:24.000] Obviously it is different and it's a learning curve for us as well.
[03:24.000 --> 03:29.000] But we had that signed off by our exec committee late last year.
[03:29.000 --> 03:34.000] And we launched the group with our first meeting being in January.
[03:34.000 --> 03:41.000] So I know it's quite early days, but I think we've had some really good conversation in the first two meetings that we've had.
[03:41.000 --> 03:48.000] And we've had a lot of interest from other digital pathology companies to want to join Axrem to be part of this group.
[03:48.000 --> 03:54.000] So can you tell us a little bit more about what you think the priorities are going to be for the special focus group?
[03:54.000 --> 03:56.000] Yeah, no, I totally agree, Sally.
[03:56.000 --> 04:05.000] And as we've seen from the first two meetings already, the conversations that are taking place and that there's so many different industry partners
[04:05.000 --> 04:13.000] all coming together to support the digital pathology end to end installations really takes many different applications,
[04:13.000 --> 04:19.000] many different requirements and to all bring us all together and to hit that we're already aligned on many of our focuses
[04:19.000 --> 04:24.000] and what we feel needs attention, standardization.
[04:24.000 --> 04:33.000] I think it's already proven its benefit to be able to for Axrem as a platform to be able to support bringing all of these industry members together.
[04:33.000 --> 04:42.000] And from my experience, it hasn't really happened on such a large scale previously where it's been so open, transparent and encouraging.
[04:42.000 --> 04:47.000] Fantastic. Yeah, and I think that we can see when we had the first meeting,
[04:47.000 --> 04:54.000] there's quite a lot of alignment in terms of things like DTAC, different things where there's a lack of consistency across the NHS.
[04:54.000 --> 04:56.000] And obviously that is one of the focuses.
[04:56.000 --> 05:03.000] And I know we've talked about things like digital versus analogue, AI in digital pathology.
[05:03.000 --> 05:09.000] And I think there could be a lot of learnings from radiology because we've got a very active AI radiology group.
[05:09.000 --> 05:13.000] And can you maybe just touch on some of the other things that we in the first meeting,
[05:13.000 --> 05:18.000] we kind of brainstormed some of the things that the group wants to look at in the future.
[05:18.000 --> 05:20.000] Can you can you tell us some of those?
[05:20.000 --> 05:28.000] So, yeah, definitely. I think we desperately need and crying out for standardization across the whole digital pathology implementation.
[05:28.000 --> 05:36.000] So file type standards, image retention guidelines, more specific time frames.
[05:36.000 --> 05:43.000] Also, the use of equipment, be that requirement of medical grade or not.
[05:43.000 --> 05:50.000] So I think there's definitely standardization is the is the top piece that most people are crying out for.
[05:50.000 --> 05:57.000] And I think it's quite important to note that I think some people kind of refer to digital pathology as still being in its infancy.
[05:57.000 --> 05:59.000] And I don't believe that to be its case.
[05:59.000 --> 06:03.000] As I mentioned, the hospital I worked in, that was over 10 years ago now.
[06:03.000 --> 06:05.000] Digital pathology is not in its infancy.
[06:05.000 --> 06:15.000] But what is is the full adoption of digital pathology in many hospitals in the UK still haven't have any form of digital pathology implemented.
[06:15.000 --> 06:22.000] So I think the adoption of that and how potentially we can support industry as a whole.
[06:22.000 --> 06:37.000] And of course, NHS hospitals in really highlighting what the benefits are supporting them when they come to their implementation elements and kind of future proofing digital pathology, I think is a real key element to focus on and future proofing that.
[06:37.000 --> 06:40.000] So that's great. We've implemented digital pathology.
[06:40.000 --> 06:44.000] We're live. How are we going to improve further practices down the line?
[06:44.000 --> 06:54.000] How are we going to, you know, save those cost timelines, those patient timelines to automatically benefit the patient?
[06:54.000 --> 06:59.000] Deepa, I know obviously you mentioned the standardisation, etc.
[06:59.000 --> 07:03.000] And I know in our last meeting, we touched on creating some resources to raise awareness.
[07:03.000 --> 07:08.000] But obviously looking further ahead in horizon scanning, what's next for the world of digital pathology?
[07:08.000 --> 07:13.000] And do you want to touch on some of the resources that we're looking at creating as part of the group?
[07:13.000 --> 07:24.000] Yeah, definitely. So as I mentioned about the adoption and daily use of digital pathology once it's implemented and embedded in those daily practices.
[07:24.000 --> 07:36.000] I think some of the elements that we've been discussing, so educational videos, some end-to-end workflows and bringing in all of those different industry members that support the digital pathology implementation.
[07:36.000 --> 07:43.000] We've got everything from storage requirements. Your image management system is kind of the core around that.
[07:43.000 --> 07:49.000] The scanners and which scanner is suitable for your workflow, the scanner variations.
[07:49.000 --> 07:56.000] Also, as you mentioned, the input devices, monitor screens, PC screens, for example.
[07:56.000 --> 08:06.000] So I think being able to bridge all that together in such as an educational video or even just potentially some white papers as to best practice.
[08:06.000 --> 08:13.000] I think it's always going to be helpful and something that people will review and want to look into.
[08:13.000 --> 08:22.000] And I guess just what's on the horizon is I'll kind of refer to digital pathology as a bit of a housed structure.
[08:22.000 --> 08:30.000] So first and foremost, we have to embed digital pathology as the foundation of the daily practice and have that embedded into the laboratory.
[08:30.000 --> 08:34.000] As I mentioned previously, it's a very analog workflow.
[08:34.000 --> 08:44.000] And what we're doing is by implementing digital pathology, we're adding an additional step to that laboratory, which is sometimes I feel is overlooked.
[08:44.000 --> 08:49.000] It is an additional step. It is an additional time element into the overall process.
[08:49.000 --> 08:57.000] And how can we better support the laboratory in that transition and the change management aspect from analog to digital?
[08:57.000 --> 09:07.000] So continuing building that house, embedding it in those foundations in the daily practices, gaining the confidence experiences, building blocks of using the system on a daily basis.
[09:07.000 --> 09:11.000] And the future horizons is the likes of AI.
[09:12.000 --> 09:15.000] I kind of say it as a bit of a window dressing the curtains to the windows.
[09:15.000 --> 09:20.000] We have to build the foundations first and have that house made before we can look.
[09:20.000 --> 09:27.000] So AI is great and it will be coming into our hopefully daily practices I can see in the future.
[09:27.000 --> 09:37.000] But first and foremost, we still need to gain the confidence for the pathologists using the system in the first instance, just to fully transition to digital from analog.
[09:37.000 --> 09:40.000] We can then continue to build and bring in AI.
[09:40.000 --> 09:42.000] Yeah, absolutely. And it's really good as well.
[09:42.000 --> 09:48.000] We've had some key stakeholders involved historically as in the last couple of meetings.
[09:48.000 --> 09:51.000] And going forward, we've got some really good stakeholders as well.
[09:51.000 --> 09:57.000] So I suppose it's that kind of like collaborative piece, everybody working together for the greater good, isn't it, again?
[09:57.000 --> 09:59.000] Yeah, absolutely.
[10:00.000 --> 10:07.000] And Kayleigh, what difference do you think it will make to industry to have a dedicated special focus group and industry voice?
[10:07.000 --> 10:14.000] Because I'm not aware that any other trade associations within the UK have a dedicated digital pathology group.
[10:14.000 --> 10:16.000] I totally agree.
[10:16.000 --> 10:27.000] And as I mentioned, I think it's just the opportunity for the dedicated special focus group to bring all of the different key industry stakeholders together in alignment.
[10:27.000 --> 10:37.000] Again, having everyone who contributes to digital pathology to be able to have these open conversations is only going to feature benefit to us.
[10:37.000 --> 10:43.000] We're going to be more standardized in the elements that we have from an industry perspective as well.
[10:43.000 --> 10:50.000] Like you say, our priority lists, and it's already been, you know, our conversations have been so fruitful already,
[10:50.000 --> 11:03.000] hearing that actually which individual companies, the image management system providers, for example, that we actually all are aligned, even though it's totally separate companies, our main sticking points are the same.
[11:03.000 --> 11:12.000] And so to have all of that aligned is only going to feature proof everything that we require even further.
[11:12.000 --> 11:18.000] So it's just a great opportunity, a great space to be able to bring those elements together.
[11:18.000 --> 11:19.000] And I totally agree.
[11:19.000 --> 11:26.000] I don't think there's anything else at the moment that we're aware of where it has been focused on bringing industry together.
[11:26.000 --> 11:29.000] Absolutely. And I think it's really exciting.
[11:29.000 --> 11:31.000] I mean, especially for us, it's a learning curve for us.
[11:31.000 --> 11:41.000] And we're learning a lot from even the first two meetings and the conversations that I'm having with other digital pathology players within the market.
[11:41.000 --> 11:51.000] But I think I like the fact when we start a group like this, we start with a blank piece of paper and you guys, you're the members, you're the experts, you kind of build the agenda, you build the priorities.
[11:51.000 --> 11:58.000] And what I think will happen is we will probably build this into a digital pathology manifesto next year.
[11:58.000 --> 12:08.000] So once we've established a group a bit more and we've got more alignment, we've got more representation from other companies, we can develop an exciting manifesto with some calls to action.
[12:08.000 --> 12:14.000] And I think that Axrem can really help in terms of you were talking about adoption of digital pathology.
[12:14.000 --> 12:19.000] But I think it's visibility because it's not a new modality.
[12:19.000 --> 12:24.000] But some people think it is because it hasn't necessarily had the visibility that it deserves.
[12:24.000 --> 12:36.000] And I think I look at some of the other areas we work in digital pathology is the same in the fact that it can create those efficiencies for the workforce where there are workforce shortages.
[12:36.000 --> 12:51.000] And so I think that we've got a role to play here in raising the visibility, raising some of the issues and working together to try and solve them with members, but also our external stakeholders and we'll build those up over a period of time.
[12:51.000 --> 12:53.000] Yeah, no, I totally agree.
[12:53.000 --> 12:59.000] And I think as well, Axrem to kind of facilitate bringing all of the industry key players together.
[12:59.000 --> 13:02.000] I think it's just a great platform.
[13:03.000 --> 13:15.000] Also, I think, as you mentioned, the visibility aspect is I don't think from a digital pathology perspective, it's understood just how many different key players are actually involved in the end-to-end workflow.
[13:15.000 --> 13:31.000] So we mentioned, you know, we talk, I've spoken quite a lot about the kind of physical aspects, but the integration, we require the LIMS companies to be involved and to partner with us as well and to bring their constraints and concerns and problems,
[13:31.000 --> 13:41.000] sticking points to the table as well. So it starts with the integration into either your LIMS system or specimen tracking system, right through to hardware, software, storage elements, as we've mentioned.
[13:41.000 --> 13:55.000] But there's so many different elements throughout, many different companies, processes, suppliers, all form part of digital pathology and that we all need to hear their voice as well.
[13:55.000 --> 13:57.000] Yeah, absolutely.
[13:57.000 --> 14:13.000] So I know you've kind of semi-touched on this already, but if we can go a little bit broader, what kind of the benefits of being involved in Axrem and different special focus groups, what would you kind of say you would think are the key kind of points for that?
[14:13.000 --> 14:20.000] Definitely the key benefits. So for me personally, it's been a pleasure to be formed part of the special focus group for digital pathology supporting Axrem.
[14:20.000 --> 14:29.000] I think it's just so much initiative in wanting and seeing that there's actually requirements and elements that we can further support.
[14:29.000 --> 14:37.000] Again, just even just being the alignment from a supplier perspective to know that actually our headache is other people's headaches.
[14:37.000 --> 14:51.000] And I think ironing out some of those sticking points is only going to benefit us as suppliers, again, underpinned by Axrem and the special focus group, and again, for the patient at the end of the day.
[14:51.000 --> 15:00.000] So yeah, being part of the special focus group, just seeing all of those elements come to light is refreshing. It's refreshing to know.
[15:00.000 --> 15:09.000] Yeah, and I think being able to provide a safe space and forum for you to have those conversations, obviously we're governed by competition or guidance.
[15:09.000 --> 15:19.000] And so I think that's important that members know that there is a safe space. And also, I think no matter what size company, everyone's equal around the table.
[15:19.000 --> 15:29.000] So everyone's got an equal voice. And one thing I have noticed, especially at the first meeting, was every single person in the room spoke and everyone was able to put their points forward.
[15:29.000 --> 15:39.000] And I always say to people, it's a really weird dynamic that you bring all of these highly competitive companies together. And actually, when we're in a room together, I feel like we're one big happy family.
[15:39.000 --> 15:52.000] Maybe I've got a naive approach to this, but it does feel very positive. And I see relationships building. I see from the back of Axrem partnerships building and companies starting to work together on different initiatives.
[15:52.000 --> 16:02.000] And I think that's such a unique platform that we're able to provide to industry. And that's what I get so much satisfaction from my job, being able to provide that to members.
[16:02.000 --> 16:11.000] No, I totally agree. As I mentioned, for me, it's almost like I said, it is refreshing. It's like you say, everything kind of gets left at the door and it's like, right, we're here.
[16:12.000 --> 16:25.000] Our daily jobs or our passion for me, specifically and personally, is digital pathology. And that's why we're in the room. That's why we're having these conversations. It's not a provider to provider conversation.
[16:25.000 --> 16:47.000] It is digital pathology as the focus. And what can we do to help? And I think that is the kind of main sentence surrounding it all. And with it, it is just so refreshing to, like you say, we've had everyone participate, everyone, you know, happy and confident to raise their concerns, questions or opinions.
[16:47.000 --> 16:50.000] It's like you say, everyone's equal and it's, yeah, refreshing.
[16:50.000 --> 17:04.000] I know me and Sally spoke when I first started about building this Actroom community and I definitely feel like we are delivering on that. It's like you say, it's such a nice environment. And it's, it's weird to say that, like you say, Sally, because you've got the competitors in the room, but it is really nice.
[17:04.000 --> 17:12.000] And it surprised me actually, obviously, when I come into the business. So, you know, it's great. So let's just move on slightly to my quirky question.
[17:12.000 --> 17:19.000] So if you had a time machine, would you choose to go to the future or back to the past and why?
[17:19.000 --> 17:29.000] So for me, I'm going to vote past. So for me personally, I'm quite excited for what the future holds. I don't want to necessarily spoil that.
[17:29.000 --> 17:44.000] But yeah, so I'd say definitely go back to the past, not to necessarily change anything specific of the course of my life, me personally, but just for those elements, I think most people would say if they were going into the past, spend more time with loved ones that aren't here.
[17:45.000 --> 17:58.000] about things that now when you're a little bit older, a little bit more wise and know that do not impact anything and not to be concerned of and also maybe just to embed some balance of nutrition and exercise.
[17:58.000 --> 18:03.000] So I don't have to yo-yo diet my whole life. That would be really helpful.
[18:03.000 --> 18:08.000] Yeah, I couldn't care. A little sneaky look at the six numbers on the lottery would be probably nice as well.
[18:08.000 --> 18:16.000] That's a good answer. Thank you.
[18:16.000 --> 18:25.000] Kaylee, thanks so much for joining us today. We've learned more about yourself and the Digital Pathology Special Focus Group and congratulations on your new role as convener of that group.
[18:25.000 --> 18:35.000] And I'm really looking forward to working with you over the next couple of years to see how we can develop it. So a big thank you to Kaylee for joining us and thank you to all of our listeners.
[18:35.000 --> 18:37.000] Thank you all. Thank you, Sally. Thank you, Melanie.
[18:37.000 --> 18:44.000] Join Sally and I again next week when we will be speaking to James Bill and Jack Bond about the Axtram Future Leader Council.
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