title: Design and Implementation of the Retinoblastoma Collaborative Laboratory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this work was to describe the design and implementation of a digital pathology laboratory, the Retinoblastoma Collaborative Laboratory (RbCoLab) in Kenya.
  
  
  METHODS
  The RbCoLab is a central lab in Nairobi that receives retinoblastoma specimens from all over Kenya. Specimens were processed using evidence-based standard operating procedures. Images were produced by a digital scanner, and pathology reports were disseminated online.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lab implemented standard operating procedures aimed at improving the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of pathology reports, enhancing the care of Kenyan retinoblastoma patients. Integration of digital technology to support pathology services supported knowledge transfer and skills transfer. A bidirectional educational network of local pathologists and other clinicians in the circle of care of the patients emerged and served to emphasize the clinical importance of cancer pathology at multiple levels of care. A 'Robin Hood' business model of health care service delivery was developed to support sustainability and scale-up of cancer pathology services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of evidence-based protocols, comprehensive training, and collaboration were essential to bring improvements to the care of retinoblastoma patients in Kenya. When embraced as an integrated component of retinoblastoma care, digital pathology offers the opportunity for frequent connection and consultation for development of expertise over time.
authors.affiliation: Human Biology Program, Faculty of Arts and Science, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada.
authors.forename: Seemi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qaiser
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Limo
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Josiah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gichana
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Kahaki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kimani
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Jessie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Githanga
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Wairimu
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Waweru
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A O
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dimba
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Division of Clinical Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Department of Human Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dimaras
keywords: Cancer; Digital pathology; Global health; Implementation; Kenya; Pathology; Retinoblastoma; Translation