Acquiring diagnostic experience in placenta pathology through HIPON web course

Aim The correct evaluation of microscopic features, a mandatory step for the correct pathologic diagnosis, reflects professional experience well worth acquiring by trainees in Pathology. This is the target of HIPON, a project co-financed by the Lifelong Learning Program of the EACEA, EU Commission. Methods We present our educational strategy as already implemented on the HIPON online chapter of placenta pathology. The diagnoses and differential diagnoses of representative cases of vascular and inflammatory placenta diseases are analysed step by step through microscopic images. A virtual slide of a placenta section with typical maternal and fetal vascular changes is available to the user. Results After becoming familiar with the principles of placental pathology, the user learns to identify the basic entities related to vascular and inflammatory placental disease. This knowledge is consolidated by an image-based test, the resources, the links and the glossary of this chapter. Discussion The concept of HIPON is to follow mixed learning pathways, supported by a rich variety of components of the ICT System (virtual portfolio, e-modules, online game, histo-book) and a mass amount of case data, in order to provide practical experience, essentially bridging the worlds of education and professional practice.