Last updated 03/05/23
The Scheme performs External Quality Assessment for Consultant Histopathologists in General Histopathological practice and also has an educational element.
Features of the Scheme
- Interpretive EQA scheme
- 10 scoring cases sent each round
- 9 different organ systems per round (so one organ system will be duplicated each round)
- 2 educational cases per round (if available)
- 3 rounds per year
- Glass slide circulations, but digital images also available
- Free text answers submitted, reflecting clinical practice
- Differential diagnoses permitted, reflecting confidence in diagnosis
- Option of opt-out of organ systems not seen in clinical practice
- Determination of “correct” answer open to all participants via consultation process, not selective “expert” committee
- CPD points awarded
- ISO17043:2010 accredited, fulfilling ISO15189:2010 clause 5.6.3.1. Click here for the published scope of accreditation
- Approved RCPath EQA interpretive scheme
- Participation restricted to GMC registered histopathologists so that expertise is not diluted
If you are interested in joining the scheme, which is hosted by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, please contact the EQA office on the email below.
Contacts
EQA Scheme Management Office Cellular Pathology, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9QQ
Telephone: 01622 225738 Email: mtw-tr.EQA@nhs.net
Scheme Organiser: Dr Nipin Bagla
Scheme Manager: Mrs Gill Donald
Scheme Administrator: Mrs Louise Knowler
Scheme Quality Manager: Mrs Helen Dasley
Overview
The South East England General Histopathology EQA Scheme is a consensus based External Quality Assessment scheme approved by the Royal College of Pathologists based on the guidance “Principles and Guidance for Interpretive External Quality Assessment Schemes in Laboratory Medicine” RCPath 2017 (G153), and accredited to ISO17043:2010. The Scheme performs External Quality Assessment for Consultant Histopathologists in General Histopathological practice and also has an educational element. Three times each year, ten cases are circulated that are representative of a routine workload together with two slightly more difficult / unusual cases of educational value which are not scored. Participation in the South East England General Histopathology EQA Scheme is open to any consultant pathologist or Associate Specialist within Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, South London, or Wales but consideration will be given to applicants outside the area on a case by case basis, including overseas. Long-term locum pathologists are also able to participate, subject to the payment of the current subscription rate.
How does the scheme work?
There are three circulations each year beginning January, May and September. Laboratories are arranged into groups with an order of circulation within each group. Ten cases are circulated representative of a typical diagnostic workload. These cases are contributed from participants working in UKAS 15189:2012 accredited laboratories. Two cases are also circulated that are more unusual and are for educational purposes only. These cases are clearly identified and are not used for personal analysis.
How the scoring works
- Each submitted diagnosis for a case is scored based on the percentage of respondents offering the same diagnosis.
- This is refined at the consultation stage, where suggestions for merging synonym diagnoses are sought. It is important that you participate in the consultation process.
- Personal scores are based on the submitted confidence level for the proffered diagnosis. A perfect score is only achievable if 10 points were allocated to a single (correct) diagnosis.
- For further detail, see the scoring protocol presentation.
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Current Round: Slide images, circulation lists and response forms
Earn 2 CPD points for answering the general cases
Earn 1 CPD point for answering both educational cases
Earn 1 CPD point for completion of the case consultation
Please take care of the slides whilst in your care ensuring they are not marked with anything, kept out of direct sunlight and labels not removed.
Should you have any problems with the slides when they arrive, or whilst they are with you, please telephone the EQA office straight away.
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Round v starts on May 1st 2023
Response Form
Response form_Round v
Digital Images
Case 889
Case 890
Case 891
Case 892
Case 893
Case 894
Case 895
Case 896
Case 897
Case 898
Case 899
Case 900
Circulation List
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Group 7
Group 8
Group 9
Group 10
Previous Rounds - including links to digital slides
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- Round u Final case analyses Round u (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round t Final case analyses Round t (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round s Final Case Analyses Round s (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round r Final Case Analyses Round r (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round q Final Case Analyses Round q (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round p Final Case Analyses Round p (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round o Final Case Analyses Round o (links to slides within case analyses document)
- Round n Final Case Analyses Round n (links to slides within case analyses document)
Earn more CPD points - Case Submission
Earn more CPD points by sending us a new case – 1 for each sent – 12 duplicate slides per case please.
Download the Case Submission Form
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Scheme Advisory Panel
The scheme advisory panel consists of representatives for each region. They meet to discuss scheme issues. Please contact them with any suggestions for improvement to the scheme or other issues.
Surrey Dr L Fulford – East Surrey Hospital – Laura.fulford@sash.nhs.uk
Sussex Dr I Hawley – The Conquest Hospital – Ian.hawley@esht.nhs.uk
Kent Dr A Goel – Maidstone Hospital – Amitgoel@nhs.net
London Dr M Moonim – Imperial College London – Mufaddal.Moonim@nhs.net
Essex Dr M Sundaresan – Southend University Hospital – Maryse.sundaresan1@nhs.net
Wales Dr S Roberts – Singleton Hospital – Shaun.Roberts@wales.nhs.uk
Meetings
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Case Discussion Presentation Round u
Case Discussion Presentation Round t
Case Discussion Presentation Round s
Case Discussion Presentation Round r
Case Discussion Presentation Round q
Case Discussion Presentation Round p
Our documents
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Complaints
We endevour to run this scheme to your complete satisfaction. If you have a concern, please contact the EQA scheme office mtw-tr.EQA@nhs.net in the first instance. If this does not resolve your issues and you wish to make a formal complaint, this will handled in compliance with the MTW Trust complaints policy and procedure. Click here for the Complaint Flowchart
Surveys
Thank you to all those who have taken the time to respond to our surveys.
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Participant Survey – Slide Preference
Participant Survey – Certificate of Participation
Participant Survey– Consultation Timeframe
Participant Survey – 10th Category
Participant Survey – Case Discussion Meeting Feedback – August 2021
Participant survey – General EQA Survey – May 2020
Participant Survey – EBUS Clot Survey – February 2020
Participant survey – AGM – March 2019
Participant survey – Case Submission – September 2018
Participant survey – Digital image survey – March 2018
Participant survey – General survey – November 2017
Participant survey – complaints and appeals – July 2017
Participant survey – new case submission – March 2017
Participant survey – website & digital slides – November 2016
Participant survey – results suspected collusion – July 2016
Participant survey – results on AGM attendance – March 2016
Participant Survey – results on use of digital slides – July 2015