title: Working at the microscope: analysis of the activities involved in diagnostic pathology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the current work practice of histopathologists to inform the design of digital microscopy systems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four gastrointestinal histopathologists were video-recorded as they undertook their routine work. Analysis of the video data shows a range of activities beyond viewing slides involved in reporting a case. There is much overlapping of activities, supported by the 'eyes free' nature of the pathologists' interaction with the microscope. The order and timing of activities varies according to consultant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to support the work of pathologists adequately, digital microscopy systems need to provide support for a range of activities beyond viewing slides. Digital microscopy systems should support multitasking, while also providing flexibility so that pathologists can adapt their use of the technology to their own working patterns.
authors.affiliation: Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. r.randell@leeds.ac.uk
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Randell
authors.forename: Roy A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ruddle
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Quirke
authors.forename: Rhys G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Treanor
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis