Practice for speed and proficiency in cytology exams using the new rcpa digital cytology ecases and sectra

Abstract

Aim: Create and share a digital a slide workshop using Sectra slides. Background: The RCPA Cytopathology exam is planned to transition to digital slides viewed on the Sectra platform. Screening and reaching a diagnosis using digital cytology is slower than glass slides.1 Proficiency and speed comes with practice.2 There are currently >200 cases of digital cytology in the RCPA eCases library, many with z-axis focus and digital annotations. Registrars and supervisors need to know how to efficiently navigate and share digital practice slide sets. Methods: A metaphor of door, library and window help us navigate the data architecture. Enter the cytology slide library through the DOOR of the RCPA website. The cytology slides are found in the eCases LIBRARY, a digital repository of virtual slides linked to case data and diagnosis. View and share the slides via the Sectra WINDOW. The methods are demonstrated in 6 online videos.3 Result: Follow these steps to make and share a Sectra digital slide set. There is also an online example test set (https://digipathed.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/sectra-practice-test-sets/) and an answer set (https://digipathed.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/sectra-practice-test-set-with-answers/). Conclusion: Teaching and learning with digital slide sets is an opportunity to practice digital proficiency, which is a 21st century skill for all of us.