Fondazione Pascale enters the era of digital pathology with Telemis

Located in Naples, the Fondazione Pascale is a leading institution in Italy, widely renowned for its expertise in oncological research and treatment. Under the leadership of Professor Gerardo Ferrara, Head of Anatomopathology, the hospital has taken a decisive step in its modernisation by integrating Telemis’ TM-Microscopy solution.

A digital ambition serving oncology

Fondazione Pascale is more than just a hospital, it’s the primary reference point for cancer treatment in the Campania region. The transition to digital pathology reflects Professor Ferrara’s clear vision to transform traditional workflows into a connected and agile environment.

When discussing the decision to modernize, Professor Ferrara explains the primary driver was "the need for an interoperability platform for Pathology Departments within the Oncology Network." He emphasizes that his initial needs centered on the "sharing of complex cases among the pathology departments of the region, and the need to initiate teleconsultations with experts for particularly challenging cases."

Through Telemis’ IMS, the hospital has begun the systematic scanning of all slides arriving at the laboratory. While traditional microscopes remain in use alongside the new technology, the department now utilises a high-performance P1000 scanner to generate high-precision digital images.

Benefits of TM-Microscopy

The integration of the Telemis solution brings tangible daily benefits to pathologists:

Workflow Optimisation: The management of the workflow, from the scanner to storage, is streamlined, allowing for faster image retrieval.
Real-Time Diagnosis: Images are transferred and viewable on-screen fast, enabling urgent cases to be addressed without delay.
Rapid access for urgent cases: Digital slides become available on screen almost immediately, supporting timely decision-making when turnaround time matters most.
Collaboration without boundaries: Complex cases can be securely shared for second and third opinions, allowing consultation with experts across Italy and internationally.

Optimisation and real-time diagnosis

The integration of this solution brings daily benefits to pathologists, from streamlined storage to rapid image retrieval.

Professor Ferrara notes that the platform has fundamentally shifted his department's efficiency, specifically through the "improvement of the traceability workflow, enabling faster retrieval of both current and archived cases."

A digital workflow

Transitioning a major medical department to a digital workflow is a challenge requiring constant optimisation. Reflecting on the implementation process, Professor Ferrara remains transparent about the technical journey, noting: "We have experienced (and continue to experience) minor but frequent operational difficulties." These challenges are being addressed through a close, ongoing partnership between the hospital’s technical teams and the Telemis Italy support staff to ensure the system remains solid.

Education and perspectives

Beyond the hospital walls, the partnership aims to create a true oncological network. The goal is to support rural areas of Campania by providing rapid access to expert diagnostics available at the Foundation.

The academic dimension is also central to the project. Professor Gerardo Ferrara, a prominent figure in dermatopathology whose research focuses on precision diagnosis, is overseeing a dedicated portal for anatomopathology students. This will allow future doctors to study real clinical cases through a validated, step-by-step educational plan.

Looking ahead, Fondazione Pascale intends to build on this success. The ambition is to expand their digital presence by adding further technological tools to maintain their leadership position in oncology. For Professor Ferrara, the ultimate goal of this digital evolution is clear: the "implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms" to further enhance diagnostic accuracy.

A relationship of trust and proximity

The success of this deployment is built on close collaboration between the hospital’s technical teams, including the ICT and LIS departments, and Telemis Italy. Roberto Goletto, Project Manager at Telemis, ensures serious follow-up with weekly contacts and regular site visits.

"The unlimited service and constant availability create a genuine relationship of trust. The hospital knows they can count on us to support every upgrade and new technical challenge." notes Roberto Goletto.

Know more about the Professor Ferrera
Professor Gerardo Ferrara is a leading oncologist and pathologist at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione Pascale" in Naples, where he serves as the Director of the Department of Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology. A prominent figure in dermatopathology, his research and clinical work focus on the precision diagnosis of skin cancers and the integration of molecular pathology into oncology. He is widely published and serves as a key scientific coordinator for specialized cancer research and educational programs within the foundation.

Know more about the foundation
The Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale in Naples is a global leader in oncology, blending advanced clinical research with cutting-edge digital diagnostics to provide world-class cancer care. You can support their life-saving mission through donations or research partnerships by visiting their official portal at istitutotumori.na.it. For direct inquiries on how to contribute or collaborate, contact their Public Relations Office (URP) at urp@istitutotumori.na.it.

https://newportal.istitutotumori.na.it/

Know more about Telemis
Telemis specialises in the development and implementation of innovative healthcare software. These technological solutions integrate seamlessly into existing environments and are supported by high-quality local service.

Telemis provides solutions for medical imaging management, the digitalisation of pathology departments, and the operational management of healthcare institutions.

The TM-Microscopy solution provides pathology departments with a comprehensive system for archiving and sharing macro, micro, and "whole slide" imaging.

https://www.microscopy-telemis.com/en