Review of the UK NEQAS (H) digital morphology pilot scheme for continuing professional development accessed via the internet

Abstract

The United Kingdom National External Quality Assurance Scheme for General Haematology [UK NEQAS (H)] collaborated with a team of medical, scientific and academic staff from the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and Manchester Universities to develop an internet-based pilot scheme for digital morphology. The aim of the collaboration was to explore the use of digital images for the morphological examination of peripheral blood cells in an external quality assessment (EQA) setting. This pilot scheme was credited by S U M M A R YUK NEQAS (H) developed and instigated a pilot scheme for digital morphology, which was accessed by participants over the internet in order to assess the viability of using high quality images as an educational tool for continuing professional development. The pilot scheme was trialled over a 2-year period with eight releases totalling 16 morphology cases. Digital images allowed participating individuals to examine and comment on exactly the same cells and compare their findings with those of other participants, consensus data from traditional glass slide surveys and expert opinion. Feedback from participants on their experience was then relayed back to the development team by UK NEQAS (H) in order to drive the educational format and to ensure that any new scheme would meet the requirements of the users.

Do We Know Why We Make Errors in Morphological Diagnosis? An Analysis of Approach and Decision-Making in Haematological Morphology

“…The United Kingdom National External Quality Assurance Scheme for Haematology (UK NEQAS(H)) provides a Continued Professional Development (CPD) scheme serving more than 2000 individuals within the UK and internationally, with around 1000 individuals completing each release. The scheme presents participants with large digital images of blood films within a software environment that mirrors elements of the microscope, and tests skills of feature identification and interpretation ( Brereton et al, 2008 ). The outcome of interpreting morphology presented as digital slides is comparable with results using conventional microscopy of blood smears on glass slides ( Burthem et al, 2005 ).…”

External bone marrow cytological examination quality assurance (EQAhem)—summary after 6 years in Poland

“…Due to ongoing technological progress, there have been intensive attempts to develop QA programs based on virtual microscopy [2,3]. Such programs have several advantages, including unlimited participation and equal access to the same smear.…”

Training future haematologists, a privilege or a burden? “A trainer's view”

“…Maintenance of morphological skills is of crucial importance (Hamilton et al , ; Brereton et al , ). In the future a lack of skilled trainers may necessitate the increasing use of digital aids (Brereton & Burthem, ). When covering multiple hospital sites with lack of 24‐h availability of medical staff on all sites, some form of electronic image transfer may become a necessity in order to deliver the required service; innovative use of smart phone microscopy adapters has facilitated this and impinges on training.…”