RESUMEN
AIMS: To evaluate the use of virtual images as an alternative to glass slides to expand the number of participants in the External Quality Assurance Scheme for prostatic biopsies. METHODS AND RESULTS: Benign and neoplastic cases, previously circulated as glass slides, were selected to include cases that had demonstrated a high level of agreement (n = 10) and a lesser degree of agreement (n = 10). Whole slide virtual images were circulated to 68 pathologists; 51 responses were returned. The levels of agreement for the primary diagnosis and for Gleason grading of cancers were analysed using kappa statistics. Responses for glass slides versus images were compared for the 24 pathologists for whom data were available. Levels of agreement for diagnostic categories using virtual slides were moderate to substantial, comparable to those found using glass slides. The level of agreement for Gleason grades 8-10 was substantial, but for lower grades was fair or moderate, poorer than for the glass slide circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Circulation of virtual images of biopsy material is a suitable alternative to glass slide-based schemes for the evaluation of diagnostic consistency. The majority of participants agreed that the ability to evaluate limited diagnostic material outweighed the disadvantages of a virtual system.
Asunto(s)
Patología Clínica/normas , Neoplasias de la Próstata/diagnóstico , Garantía de la Calidad de Atención de Salud/métodos , Biopsia , Diagnóstico por Imagen/métodos , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador , Masculino , Microscopía , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Próstata/patología , Garantía de la Calidad de Atención de Salud/normas , Telepatología/métodos , Interfaz Usuario-ComputadorRESUMEN
The introduction of national recruitment and cohort training in histopathology in England has produced significant challenges and highlighted opportunities for development. Innovative information technology solutions have been deployed to facilitate recruitment and enhance education provision and research.