External quality assessment slide schemes: Pathologists' experiences and perceptions

Abstract

Background: External quality assessment schemes (EQAS) in pathology have been established in the United Kingdom for several years with the aim of raising standards. Objective: To determine the experiences and perceptions of pathologists undertaking EQAS. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to histo/cytopathologists in the south and west of England. Results: A large proportion of pathologists responding felt that the EQAS was educational, and 69% said participation had encouraged them to undertake additional educational activities. Some reservations were expressed about marking schemes. Asked if EQAS using digital images (CD-ROM or web based) rather that glass slides were valid alternatives two thirds responded no, despite 75% claiming to have appropriate IT skills. Conclusions: EQAS play a valuable role in helping to maintain standards in histopathology and cytopathology. Some reservations were expressed about the marking schemes and further work is needed to establish a robust marking method. Significant barriers need to be overcome if digital EQAS are to be successfully implemented.