Zooming for cells: Tele-education of histopathology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 pandemic moved education into the virtual world. We surveyed the effectiveness of conducting virtual tutorials via Zoom with attached microscope for pathology residents. Eleven respondents from the Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital completed the survey. Many noted that the clarity of the slide images was equal to that of the usual slide sessions (91%). The audio reception was acceptable (100%). We found that 93% were satisfied with using Zoom, with 18% showing high satisfaction. We see this technology as a good add-on to face-to-face teaching, as it allows participation of residents posted away from teaching hospitals, and that this method of instruction should be kept as we move past the pandemic and its restrictions. We also see this as an alternative to the use of scanned digital slides, as not all teaching centers have a digital slide scanner, in addition to the issues of viewing restriction and storage of digital slides that need to be considered.