Virtual Microscopy in Hematopathology Testing

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Virtual Microscopy in Hematopathology Testing

• Fiona E. Craig, MD
• Society for Hematopathology Education Committee
• USCAP Annual Meeting, Denver, 2008

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Hematopathology Testing

• Board and in-service exams
• Competency testing
• Self-assessment modules (SAM) for Maintenance of
  Certification (MOC)

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American Board of Pathology Virtual Microscopy
Practice Exam http//www.abpath.org/
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USCAP eAcademyAnatomic Pathology Electronic Case
Series (APECS)
http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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http//www.uscapeacademy.org/apecs
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Goals of USCAP APECS Program

• Case-based learning with the option of a
  post-activity test to convert to SAM credit.
• Aimed at practicing pathologists.
• Purchased through an annual subscription.
• Pre-discussion questions are not used to test
  knowledge, but engage participant and inspire
  them to read the discussion.
• SAM questions are more basic and test key points
  that every practicing pathologist should know.

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Competency Testing

• Evaluates more than Medical Knowledge.
• Is often a case based practical exam that
  attempts to simulate clinical practice.
• Uses slides to test the trainees ability to
  locate an area of interest.
• Also evaluates analytical thinking and selection
  of appropriate ancillary studies to establish a
  diagnosis.
• Ideally provides ancillary data on demand and
  tracks trainees progress through a case.
• Could be achieved using virtual tools, but would
  require more than a bank of virtual slides.

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Could the USCAP APECS program meet the needs of
Competency Testing?

• Add laboratory Hematology e.g. coagulation,
  fluids
• Include scanned smears with adequate
  magnification and possibly Z-axis for bone marrow
  aspirate smears.
• Expand the ancillary study section to include
  interpretation of flow cytometric dot-plots,
  hemoglobin electrophoresis, FISH......
• Submit questions specifically for competency
  testing.
• Set up a strict testing environment e.g. prevent
  trainees repeating a sections to improve their
  score.
• Determine a passing score.
• Forward scores to the Program Director.

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Concluding Remarks

• Virtual microscopy is a reality and can assist in
  many types of education and testing.
• The USCAP has made a commitment to develop the
  eAcademy and welcomes submission of APECS cases.
• The Society for Hematopathology could assist in
  the contribution and endorsement of APECS cases
  to support CME and MOC activities.
• Should the Society for Hematopathology further
  explore collaboration with the USCAP to develop a
  digital Hematopathology fellowship competency
  test?