Digital pathology in the cloud: Driving interoperability, AI integration, and future-ready diagnosis

Philips Healthcare tells us about the advantages of adopting cloud technology in digital pathology, emphasizing its role in enhancing interoperability, AI integration, and diagnostic efficiency

Cloud technology introduces unprecedented flexibility, scalability, and collaboration. ⁽¹⁾ By moving pathology data to the cloud, pathologists can access cases from anywhere, collaborate across institutions, and leverage AI tools without infrastructure constraints. The cloud eliminates the limitations of on-premises systems. For healthcare organizations, this means the possibility to improve operational efficiency, reduce IT overhead, and the ability to scale services as demand grows. Cloud adoption also supports disaster recovery and business continuity. ⁽¹⁾

DICOM as an accelerator for interoperability and AI integration

Philips offers a rich digital pathology portfolio – from scanners and viewers to storage and professional services – designed to support every step of your digital pathology implementation. In partnership with AWS, Philips is scaling digital pathology into the cloud, unlocking access, workflow integration, and collaboration. ⁽¹⁾ This partnership supports enterprise-grade security, compliance with healthcare regulations, and the ability to integrate with existing hospital IT systems. The adoption of DICOM standards ⁽⁵⁾ and Cloud Data Services enables interoperability across systems and paves the way for AI integration and integrated diagnostics. Philips’ cloud solutions are designed to deliver not only flexibility and scalability but also peace of mind through robust encryption and adherence to global standards. ⁽¹⁾

Standards and interoperability

Interoperability is critical for the success of digital pathology. Philips actively contributes to DICOM Working Group 26, which focuses on standards for Whole Slide Images (WSIs). This commitment towards the DICOM standard ⁽¹⁾ ensures that Philips solutions integrate smoothly with enterprise-wide IT infrastructure and AI capabilities. In addition to its role in WG-26, Philips is also a member of the Digital Pathology Association (DPA) Regulatory and Standards Task Force, reinforcing its dedication to shaping and aligning with global standards. By adhering to these standards, Philips enables healthcare organizations to avoid vendor lock-in and maintain flexibility as technology evolves.

Transforming diagnostics with cloud adoption

Juan Pablo de la Fuente Escobar, a pathology department leader at Quirónsalud, featured in a recent Philips webinar, shared how cloud adoption has revolutionized workflows across multiple hospital sites: “Cloud adoption has completely changed how we work. We can access cases instantly, collaborate across sites, and scale without worrying about infrastructure,” he explained. By leveraging Philips’ cloud-enabled digital pathology solutions, Juan Pablo’s team achieved faster turnaround times and enhanced diagnostic confidence. The ability to collaborate in real-time, regardless of location, has not only driven efficiency but also strengthened clinical decision-making. Pablo’s experience underscores the transformative power of cloud technology in creating a truly connected care environment. ⁽⁶⁾

Martijn Hartjes, Philips Business Unit leader Clinical Informatics, noted: “We should not underestimate the power of cloud. It enables scalability, breaks down data silos, and, combined with AI, can accelerate the path to real-time clinical insights across the patient journey. By making all relevant information accessible when it matters most, clinicians can deliver faster, more informed decisions that truly enhance personalized patient care.”

Proven gains in efficiency and productivity

The benefits of going fully digital are clear and measurable. Fully digital labs using Philips digital pathology solutions save up to 19 hours per day on logistics and reading, and diagnose 21% more cases, while 96% of pathologists report increased efficiency and 100% report improved diagnostic consensus. ⁽²⁾ AI integration further enhances these gains; partnerships with third-party AI vendors have delivered up to 37% productivity improvements and significant reductions in turnaround time. ⁽⁴⁾ These results help accelerate diagnoses, enable more personalized care, and give care teams greater confidence –ultimately leading to improved patient care.

AI integration for smarter diagnostics

Philips Intellisite Pathology Solution (PIPS) is designed as an open platform that can safely and securely share imaging and other relevant data. Its interoperability allows seamless integration with third-party AI ⁽⁴⁾ applications, enabling advanced analytics and decision support. As AI continues to evolve, Philips ensures that its solutions remain future-ready, supporting continuous innovation and diagnostic confidence with its current and expanding partnerships.

Transformation towards future-ready pathology

Cloud-based pathology creates a connected ecosystem for smarter, more efficient diagnostics. By combining Philips’ expertise with AWS scalability, ⁽¹⁾ healthcare organizations can unlock new levels of collaboration, productivity, and innovation. The next step in this journey is making PIPS fully accessible from cloud. ⁽⁷⁾ This evolution can make diagnostics not only smarter and more efficient but also more productive, more connected, and more future-ready. Philips is committed to leading this transformation, helping healthcare providers deliver sooner, more confident diagnoses – accelerating the path from images to answers. Anytime, anywhere.

Let’s shape the future together

The future of pathology is digital, connected, and powered by cloud. Philips is here to help you navigate this transformation with proven solutions, a trusted partnership, and a vision for continuous innovation. Ready to take the next step? Contact Philips today and find out how we can help you scale digital pathology into the cloud and unlock the full potential of AI-driven integrated diagnostics. ⁽¹⁾

References

1. Third party claims from AWS, which may not apply in all markets and may be updated from time to time. The functionalities and benefits of the solution depend on customer-specific configuration and use. Please contact your local Philips representative for (market) availability.
2. Survey of 52 pathologists, lab managers, and lab technicians in Europe, 2018.
3. Information provided by Ibex AI Raoux et al. Modern Pathology (2021) 34 (suppl 2): 598-599.
4. PIPS enables iSyntax files, and with the Software Development Kit (SDK), third-party companies can use this for AI capabilities.
5. Only with Philips Pathology Scanner SGi, which is not available for sale in the USA and certain other countries. Future availability cannot be ensured and is pending regulatory registrations. Please contact your sales representative to ascertain availability in your country.
6. Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions.
7. The product is not available for sale in the USA and any other jurisdictions. Future availability is pending regulatory registrations. Please contact your sales representative to determine availability in your country.