Future developments in the RCPA haematology QAP

Abstract

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program (RCPA QAP) for Haematology Morphology was introduced in 1965. In these surveys participants submitted morphological findings and diagnoses on unknown blood and bone marrow films as free text. QAP staff then reviewed each response for key words or themes and recorded them manually. Responses were graded as acceptable or unacceptable based on the advice of an expert morphology referee panel. Issues to assess the laboratory performance were raised and our aim was to develop software to assess the laboratory performance. Software was developed to facilitate an online data entry facility, which included a comprehensive code list, where participants were required to submit the relevant code for the important morphological features and diagnosis, either online or as hard copy. An expert advisory committee allocated a score for each morphological feature and diagnosis according to written criteria. The reports included histograms and tables with details of the individual participant’s scores as well as information and ranking of all participants’ responses and scores. This reporting system is now used for our Morphology and Malarial Parasite Program. An end of cycle report is currently being developed to rank subscriber performance, which will be discussed, as well as changes made to the interim report. Virtual microscopy has also become an important adjunct to our Morphology Program for the purpose of education and a DVD is now available. A review of the DVD will be illustrated in this presentation as well as other possible future developments for virtual microscopy.