EQAP Brisbane Meeting

Meeting with Cytopathology Quality Assurance Programme staff Re EQA proposal - Individual Competency Assurance Programme For New Zealand.

The meeting was held at the QAP office in Brisbane on Friday 11/2/05.

The participants were Dr Margaret Cummings (QAP Committe Chair), Jo Finnimore (QAP Coordinator), Lloyd Penberthy (RCPA Buisness Manager), Dr Margaret Sage, Paul Spek and Diane Casey.

The meeting began with a background by Dr Sage on the background to the development of the proposal. Lloyd then gave a short demonstration on the the QAPs perspective of use of virtual microscopy. The RCPA has purchased an Aperio ScanScope for the QAP office with the specific aim of introducing virtual microscopy into QA and educational programs in pathology. The technology was impressive and has the potential to reduce the huge handling costs and problems associated with slides sets in QA programs. His aim was to introduce the technology as a future possibility. Loyd also covered with graphical images possible ways of recording individuals performance.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the technicalities of the program implementation including participants, slides sets and rotations, assesment and the establishment of a pilot program. The meeting was very constructive. It was an eye opener to see the work that goes on behind the scenes in running the QAP office particularly with the setting up of slide sets and it will be a huge task to set up an additional individual program for NZ.

As a result of matters discussed at the meeting the EQAP proposal document has been amended and will be released to the sector for comment. It will cover in more detail the proposed program.

I would encourage all cytology professionals to read this document and comment where necessary as this concerns all of us.