Do We Know Why We Make Errors in Morphological Diagnosis? An Analysis of Approach and Decision-Making in Haematological Morphology.
BACKGROUND
The laboratory interpretation of blood film morphology is frequently a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective final-stage of blood count analysis. However, the interpretation of findings often rests with a single individual, and errors can carry significant impact. Cell identification and classification skills are well supported by existing resources, but the contribution and importance of other skills are less well understood.


METHODS
The UK external quality assurance group in haematology (UK NEQAS(H)) runs a Continued Professional Development scheme where large digital-images of abnormal blood smears are presented using a web-based virtual microscope. Each case is answered by more than 800 individuals. Morphological feature selection and prioritisation, as well as diagnosis and proposed action, are recorded. We analysed the responses of participants, aiming to identify successful strategies as well as sources of error.


RESULTS
The approach to assessment by participants depended on the affected cell type, case complexity or skills of the morphologist. For cases with few morphological abnormalities, we found that accurate cell identification and classification were the principle requirements for success. For more complex films however, feature recognition and prioritisation had primary importance. Additionally however, we found that participants employed a range of heuristic techniques to support their assessment, leading to associated bias and error.


CONCLUSIONS
A wide range of skills together allow successful morphological assessment and the complexity of this process is not always understood or recognised. Heuristic techniques are widely employed to support or reinforce primary observations and to simplify complex findings. These approaches are effective and are integral to assessment; however they may also be a source of bias or error. Improving outcomes and supporting diagnosis require the development of decision-support mechanisms that identify and support the benefits of heuristic strategies while identifying or avoiding associated biases.


BACKGROUND
The CPD scheme is funded by participant subscription.
Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Michelle
M
Brereton
UK NEQAS(H), PO Box 14, Watford WD18 OFJ, UK.
Barbara
B
De La Salle
Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
John
J
Ardern
Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK ; School of Healthcare Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, M1 5GD, UK.
Keith
K
Hyde
Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK ; Institute of Cancer Sciences, 5th Floor St Marys Hospital, University of Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
John
J
Burthem
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D006405:Hematology; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors; D012984:Software
Blood cell morphology; Cell recognition; Diagnosis; Errors; Heuristics