EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Transitioning to digital platforms requires proficiency in new technologies; providing comprehensive training programmes will help the digital pathology scheme assessors adapt to this new landscape.
in traditional techniques. However, transitioning to digital platforms requires proficiency in new technologies, software tools and image analysis techniques. Providing comprehensive training programmes and continuous professional development opportunities will help the digital pathology scheme assessors adapt to this new landscape and ensure the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic interpretations. By equipping digital pathology scheme assessors with these skills and knowledge, they become proficient and can confidently lead the adoption and improvement of digital pathology within their institutions. As they disseminate this new knowledge among their colleagues, it ensures that entire departments benefit from the advancements in digital pathology, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
The future The future of digital pathology is bright, offering a multitude of opportunities to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. The provision of a UK NEQAS CPT Digital Pathology EQA scheme will add to
those opportunities by: n Enhancing diagnostic accuracy n Promoting standardisation n Facilitating continuous improvement n Supporting professional development n Enabling efficient data management n Improving workflow efficiency n Encouraging innovation n Enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing
n Ensuring regulatory compliance n Boosting patient confidence.
As technology continues to advance, digital pathology platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with features such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for automated image analysis, predictive analytics, and decision support systems. These advancements have the potential to revolutionise pathology practice by streamlining workflow, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. AI holds tremendous potential to transform the field of pathology by augmenting pathologists’ capabilities. There are many key areas emerging where AI could have a transformative effect utilising whole- slide images (WSI) from digital pathology.
Digital pathology involves the storage and transmission of large volumes of sensitive data thus raising concerns about unauthorised access, data breaches and compliance with GDPR
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However, it is important to realise that using AI will need to be supported by proficiency testing due to the software being used for diagnostic purposes. From the currently published data, it is suggested AI works more effectively and efficiently with standardisation, and the provision of an accredited EQA scheme can support that digital standardisation and assure quality improvement for cellular pathology diagnostics. UK NEQAS CPT is committed to embracing the digital age of EQA, ensuring that amended and improved formats maintain the same opportunity and commitment to quality, education, best practices, and professional development as current EQA schemes. By collaborating with leading experts, these formats will be tailored for the future of fully digitised laboratories. By producing guidelines and educational materials to ensure consistent and reliable digitally driven diagnostic outcomes, UK NEQAS CPT will support the facilitation and transition to digital pathology while upholding rigorous standards of assessment and continuous improvement. While implementing an EQA scheme for digital pathology presents formidable challenges, it is essential for ensuring the quality, accuracy and reliability of diagnostic testing in the digital era. By addressing the issues related to standardisation, data security, assessor training and education, UK NEQAS CPT can overcome these obstacles and provide a groundbreaking EQA scheme with immense promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing the practice of cellular pathology.
Lorren Mitchell is the Scheme Manager for UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic management of the service. She has over 15 years’ experience in cellular pathology within a diagnostic setting with extensive involvement in the implementation of digital pathology. Lorren is a HCPC- registered Biomedical Scientist, a member of the IBMS, IBMS verifier and examiner.
UK NEQAS CPT’s provision of services and educational opportunities is the largest worldwide, offering a rich diversity of options - the only EQA service to develop such an expansive, unique, and accredited portfolio, committed to quality improvement, learning and development in cellular pathology diagnostics. This involves leadership, development and delivery of extended educational provision and additional services for technical and clinical staff, for worldwide quality development.
www.ukneqascpt.org/
JUNE 2024
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