Design of the Digital Pathology Workspace for Artificial Intelligence Integration
Elena Guerini-Rocco
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Chiara Frascarelli
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Joana Sorino
(Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Francesca Maria Porta
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Mariacristina Ghioni
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Anna Candiani
(Technologies and Clinical Engineering, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Silvio Capizzi
(Medical Administration, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Annarosa Farina
(Department of Information and Communications Technology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Alessio Figini
(Medical Administration, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Giuseppe Curigliano
(Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)
Antonio Marra
(Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)
Luigi Orlando Molendini
(Value Medicine, Clinical Risk and Privacy Area, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Francesca Pavan
(Quality, Accreditation and Clinical Risk Service, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Anna Paola Scala
(Design Service, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Giuseppe Renne
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Konstantinos Venetis
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Nicola Fusco
(Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)
Journal: Applied Sciences
•
• MDPI AG
• ISSN: 2076-3417
Abstract
Designing an optimal digital pathology workspace is essential to ensure diagnostic accuracy and safeguard the long-term well-being of pathologists. While digital pathology improves reproducibility, facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration, and supports data-driven precision medicine, its clinical effectiveness depends not only on computational performance but also on the physical and ergonomic environment in which pathologists operate. Inadequate workstation design may impair visual perception, increase cognitive and musculoskeletal strain, and potentially affect diagnostic consistency. Moreover, the progressive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into routine diagnostics introduces additional requirements related to display performance, visualization interfaces, and human–machine interaction. Despite the rapid global adoption of digital pathology systems, standardized recommendations addressing ergonomic, environmental, and technological aspects of the digital workspace remain limited. In this work, we propose a clinically oriented framework for the design of digital pathology workspaces suitable for AI-assisted diagnostics. Key elements include the selection and calibration of medical-grade displays, ergonomic furniture and input devices, optimized ambient lighting conditions, and institutional quality assurance procedures. Emerging developments, such as intelligent ergonomic monitoring, advanced visualization interfaces, and adaptive AI-assisted workflows, may further support safe, sustainable, and high-performance digital diagnostic environments.
Elena Guerini-Rocco, Chiara Frascarelli, Joana Sorino, et al. (2026). "Design of the Digital Pathology Workspace for Artificial Intelligence Integration". Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126021