Smartphone applications: A contemporary resource for dermatopathology

Abstract

Introduction: Smartphone applications in medicine are becoming increasingly prevalent. Given that most pathologists and pathology trainees today use smartphones, an obvious modality for pathology education is through smartphone applications. "MyDermPath" is a novel smartphone application that was developed as an interactive reference tool for dermatology and dermatopathology, available for iOS and Android. Materials and Methods: "MyDermPath" was developed using Apple Xcode and Google Android SDK. Dermatology images (static and virtual slides) were annotated and configured into an algorithmic format. Each image comprised educational data (diagnosis, clinical information, histopathology, special stains, differential diagnosis, clinical management, linked PubMed references). Added functionality included personal note taking, pop quiz, and image upload capabilities. A website was created (http://mydermpath.com) to mirror the app. Results: The application was released in August 2011 and updated in November 2013. More than 1,100 reference diagnoses, with over 2,000 images are available via the application and website. The application has been downloaded approximately 14,000 times. The application is available for use on iOS and Android platforms. Conclusions: Smartphone applications have tremendous potential for advancing pathology education. "MyDermPath" represents an interactive reference tool for dermatology and dermatopathologists.

Keywords

• Application, cell phone, dermatology, dermatopathology, digital pathology, smartphone, whole slide imaging