Gpi4Med.PATHOLOGY: a new Digital Pathology system for the Veneto region
SOFTWARE
The Client: Azienda Zero and the regional context
Who is Azienda Zero
Azienda Zero is a healthcare entity in the Veneto Region, established as part of the reorganization of regional healthcare facilities with the aim of improving service efficiency and optimizing resources. It does not provide direct healthcare services to citizens but supports local healthcare authorities (ULSS) and regional hospitals in administrative, logistical, and technological activities.
Its mission also includes the implementation of strategic projects, such as digital innovation, management of health emergencies, and integration between health and social services.
The reference context
The project for the creation of the integrated information system for the pathology laboratories of the Veneto region involved 12 Hospital Trusts:
- Padua Hospital Trust
- Verona Integrated University Hospital Trust
- AULSS 1 Dolomiti
- AULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana
- AULSS 3 Serenissima
- AULSS 4 Veneto Orientale
- AULSS 5 Polesana
- AULSS 6 Euganea
- AULSS 7 Pedemontana
- AULSS 8 Berica
- AULSS 9 Scaligera
- Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)
Volume of activity
The regional health system serves a population of almost 5 million inhabitants and involves over 700 active users including pathologists, residents, biologists, cytologists, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff.
As of February 2025, the new unified Pathology system has generated over 330,000 reports, 2 million slides, and detected over 3,300 non-conformances (e.g., process or examination defects and mismatches, quality inaccuracy, sample contamination, etc.).
Strategic objectives
- Introduction of digital pathology (DP) at a regional level
- Optimization of diagnostics, prognostics, and prediction of therapeutic response, also through the use of Artificial Intelligence algorithms
- Enhancement of medical and technical staff through clinical collaboration tools
- Harmonization of processes and standardization of coding
- Reduction of reporting times (TAT)
- Complete traceability of samples
- Integration with analytical platforms for service monitoring
The digitalization of laboratories at a regional level for harmonized processes, faster reporting, and diagnosis support with artificial intelligence.
The Needs
The project stems from the need to provide the regional health system with a single, interoperable platform for managing Pathology activities. The main need was to overcome the pre-existing fragmentation, where each AULSS used different, non-communicating systems.
Specific needs
- Unify the management of regional pathology departments
- Integrate corporate systems and electromedical equipment
- Store and view digital slide images
- Ensure traceability and control of diagnostic workflows
- Improve reporting efficiency and accuracy
The project represents Italy’s first unified regional network for Anatomical Pathology.
The Challenge
The project involved 12 pathology departments, profoundly different in structure, tools, and operating methods.
In just 18 months, all were integrated into a single system. The previous applications were decommissioned and replaced without data loss, overcoming a high-risk transition in a controlled manner.
From the old system to the new
Before unification, the same examination performed in different facilities could generate different reports, due to non-homogeneous standards and information. Today, with the single platform, processes are standardized and reports are uniform throughout the region.
Change management
The introduction of the new platform involved a significant transformation of processes and activities. Change management was planned to reduce resistance and guide the facilities towards new operating methods.
Change management strategies adopted
- Targeted training
Analysis of skills gaps and development of specific training plans. Theoretical and practical sessions for all roles involved. - Internal communication
Clear and timely information regarding the changes introduced and the expected benefits of the new system. - Staff involvement
Active listening activities, such as group meetings, to gather opinions and understand user needs. The role of SuperUsers, chosen from among the pathologists, was fundamental, providing daily support and a point of reference for doubts and critical issues.
Strengths of the transformation
- Reduction of reporting times
- improvement of traceability
- remote access to reports and diagnostic images.
Interoperability with corporate systems has facilitated data management and enhanced collaboration between facilities.
Resistance and adaptation
The change involved a learning curve for users and resistance in some AULSS, particularly among professionals more accustomed to the old systems. Constant and transparent communication helped to overcome these difficulties, promoting the benefits of digitalization.
The solution
Gpi4Med.PATHOLOGY is an innovative system that enables the complete management (automation, traceability, integration and digitization) of the entire workflow of anatomic pathology services and genetics laboratories.
GPI4Med.PATHOLOGY integrates in a unique solution the PathoxWeb LIS, supporting workflow, traceability, devices integration and reporting, the PathoxWeb digital pathology system, including a PACS archive and a zero-footprint professional WSI viewer, and a set of AI diagnostic tools.
Gpi4Med is the comprehensive suite of Gpi, a global group with 35 years of experience in Digital Health, that facilitates the pathway to digital transformation and sustainable healthcare.
All the vertical solutions are multilingual and installed in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Design phases
- Preliminary activities Establishment of working groups, definition of the solution scope, and infrastructure planning.
- Definition of functional specifications Through collaborative technical tables, both in-person and remote.
- On-site assessment Evaluation of the integration methods between the solution, regional/corporate systems, and electromedical equipment.
- Configuration Customization of the system based on the specifications and data collected.
- Testing and validation For each AULSS, verification of the effectiveness of the implemented solution.
- Training Theoretical-practical sessions for all operators.
- Start-up Commissioning of the system in each AULSS.
The regional anatomical pathology system serves a population of almost 5 million inhabitants and involves over 700 users.
Compliance with project requirements
Single regional management system
Centralized installation that manages all the AULSS of the Veneto Region, in compliance with privacy regulations. Harmonized diagnostic processes on a regional scale.
Optimization of reporting times (TAT)
Automation of processes and control of activities. Linear and efficient reporting, with reduced delivery times.
Traceability of preparations
Complete monitoring of materials, blocks, slides, and tubes. Every operation is tracked and can be consulted from any station.
Digital image archive and viewer Management and consultation of digitized slides.
It facilitates remote analysis, comparison between specialists, and the use of diagnostic support tools.
The benefits
The adoption of a single system has made it possible to unify 12 previously distinct realities, simplifying the organization and introducing significant changes in diagnostic processes.
The new platform has improved the operational efficiency of the structures involved, facilitating adaptation by the staff. Among the main benefits:
Digitized diagnostic processes
Digitized management of pathology departments and adaptation of operating procedures. Use of paper supports reduced to a minimum. Faster and more efficient diagnostic processes, thanks to digitized slides.
Interoperability between systems
Integration of the regional platform with corporate and departmental systems (CUP, Order Entry, Repository, and FSE). Greater continuity and quality in the exchange and management of clinical data.
Process standardization
Uniform operating methods for all pathology departments in the region.
Complete traceability
Punctual monitoring of all phases of the diagnostic path.
Reduced reporting times
Faster and more efficient processes for the benefit of patients and professionals.
Telepathology
Remote reporting and second opinion available for all regional laboratories.
AI-powered diagnostic
support Integration of artificial intelligence tools to improve accuracy and reduce the margin of error.
Future Perspectives
For the future, the development of a dashboard of indicators is planned for the comparison of traditional processes with digital ones and the evaluation of the impact related to the transmission and archiving of digital images.
Use of artificial intelligence algorithms
The system will be able to use AI algorithms produced and managed by the pathology departments of the region.
