Performance monitoring in gynaecological cytopathology

Abstract

Following the establishment of the Cytopathology Performance Review Committee this year, criteria for monitoring laboratory performance have been developed and a pilot phase will be undertaken in 2012. Criteria are based on both results from routine gynaecological Quality Assurance Program (QAP) surveys and Performance Measure data. The pilot phase will help determine the effectiveness of these criteria in assisting the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to identify laboratories that may require early review. Criteria for the pilot are: one Performance Measure outside the National Standard set by NPAAC; non-submission of results for Performance Measures; one major error in a conventional gynaecological (GYN) survey; three unacceptable responses in any GYN survey in any 12 month period; non-submission of results for any GYN survey. Results will be reviewed within a rolling 12 month cycle. When a laboratory’s results have fallen outside these established criteria, the laboratory’s results will be forwarded to the Cytopathology Peer Review Committee for review. If results are assessed as unacceptable, notification letters will be sent to the laboratory in accordance with the framework developed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) QAP. It is hoped the outcomes of the pilot phase of the Cytopathology Performance Monitoring Project will assist in evaluating criteria for unacceptable performance in Cytopathology. As the project progresses results will be monitored by the Cytopathology PRC and these criteria may be reviewed.