External quality assessment slide schemes: pathologists' experiences and perceptions.
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.
Parham
D M
DM
dmprbh@dmparham.plus.com
D001290:Attitude; D006801:Humans; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011786:Quality Control; D006113:United Kingdom