Decreasing Histology Turnaround Time Through Stepwise Innovation and Capacity Building in Rwanda.

Purpose: Minimal turnaround time for pathology results is crucial for highest-quality patient care in all settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where rural populations may have limited access to health care.

Methods: We retrospectively determined the turnaround times (TATs) for anatomic pathology specimens, comparing three different modes of operation that occurred throughout the development and implementation of our pathology laboratory at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence in Rwanda. Before opening this laboratory, TAT was measured in months because of inconsistent laboratory operations and a paucity of in-country pathologists.

Implementation and Validation of Telepathology Triage at Cancer Referral Center in Rural Rwanda.

Purpose: Connecting a cancer patient to the appropriate treatment requires the correct diagnosis provided in a timely manner. In resource-limited settings, the anatomic pathology bridge to efficient, accurate, and timely cancer care is often challenging. In this study, we present the first phase of an anatomic telepathology triage system, which was implemented and validated at the Butaro District Hospital in northern rural Rwanda.

Diagnosis of cancer in rural Rwanda: early outcomes of a phased approach to implement anatomic pathology services in resource-limited settings.

Objectives: Adequate pathology services are a prerequisite to accurate cancer diagnoses and tailoring appropriate treatment. Limitations in skilled personnel and infrastructure are among the challenges faced by developing countries. We describe a stepwise implementation of anatomic pathology laboratory services at Butaro District Hospital, designated as a Cancer Center of Excellence in rural Rwanda.