Training activity information
Details
Record and interpret a result from an external quality assurance scheme and make recommendations
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Local SOPs
- Standards for accreditation
- NEQAS schemes guidance
- Quality management system
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What external quality assurance (EQA) schemes are relevant to histopathology? What parameters are typically assessed in these schemes? What is the process for accessing and reviewing EQA results?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with this activity, such as how to interpret EQA reports, identify areas of good performance and potential issues, and formulate appropriate recommendations. Think about what you already know about quality assurance in the laboratory.
- Discuss the relevant EQA schemes with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding. Review previous EQA reports if available. Consider possible challenges you might face in interpreting the data or making suitable recommendations. Identify how you feel about analysing quality assurance data.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the task of recording and interpreting the EQA result? What specific aspects of the report are you focusing on first?
- What decisions are you making as you analyse the data? How are you determining whether a result is acceptable or requires further investigation?
- What aspects of interpreting the data feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., understanding statistical measures or identifying potential root causes)?
- How effective are your actions in understanding the EQA result and identifying potential issues or areas for improvement? Are you able to clearly articulate your interpretation?
- What challenges are you facing during this analysis? Are you struggling to understand the terminology or identify trends in the data?
- What can you learn from this EQA result as you interpret it? Are there any unexpected findings or areas where the laboratory’s performance differs from expected norms?
- How does this EQA result connect to your existing knowledge of quality management and accreditation standards? Does it reinforce or challenge your current understanding?
- Are there alternative ways you could be interpreting the data? Could you consider different benchmarks or compare the results to previous reports?
- Would it be helpful to discuss the results with a senior colleague or review relevant SOPs?
- Are your interpretations and recommendations aligned with quality management and accreditation standards?
On action
- What were the key findings of the external quality assurance (EQA) scheme result?
- Which specific parameters or tests were assessed in the EQA scheme?
- What were the strengths and weaknesses identified in the laboratory’s performance based on the results?
- What recommendations were you able to make based on your interpretation of the results?
- What did you learn about the specific EQA scheme and its purpose in ensuring quality standards?
- What skills in data interpretation and analysis did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected results or trends in the data? What did you learn from these?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in your ability to interpret EQA results or make recommendations?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to future EQA assessments and internal quality control processes?
- What specific actions or ‘next steps’ will you now take to ensure the recommendations are considered and implemented?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your understanding of quality assurance schemes?
Beyond action
- Review your initial reflect-on-action notes regarding the EQA results and your recommendations. Do you still agree with your interpretation and recommendations in light of further learning or experience with other EQA schemes?
- Have you participated in other EQA assessments since this activity? How did this earlier experience inform your approach to those later assessments?
- Have you discussed EQA findings with colleagues? Did their perspectives offer any new insights into the results or the process?
- How has this experience contributed to your understanding of quality management and accreditation standards?
- Have you applied your knowledge of EQA interpretation in your routine work, such as during internal quality control checks? How has your skill in this area developed since this DTA?
- Recognise how understanding EQA schemes contributes to your overall ability to ensure the continued delivery and development of an effective histopathology service .
- Identify transferable skills, such as data analysis and critical evaluation, that you have developed through this activity. How might these skills be applied in future quality improvement initiatives or research?
- Identify actions for continued development in your understanding of quality assurance principles and practices.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Practice safely in accordance with quality management and accreditation standards. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Evaluate equipment and methods to ensure the continued delivery and development of an effective histopathology service. |