Quality and Safety (RCPA module)

Question 1

components of quality management

Answer 1

quality assurance: overall ability of test/system to promote excellence in health outcomes

quality control (part of QA): standardisation and assessment of accuracy and reliability

quality improvement: assessment and adjustment of the system

Question 2

what is analysed in quality control?

Answer 2

• specimen collection and storage
• controls
• reagents
• equipment
• interpretation
• transcription
• reporting

Question 3

sources of error

Answer 3

preanalytical (biggest source of error!)

inherent in quantity being measured

human error

problems in theoretical model used

instruments/environment

Question 4

what is accreditation?

Answer 4

demonstrating competence to perform a test against accepted standards, and proving this to a third party

Question 5

what do accreditors look at?

Answer 5

management

staff

specimen reception

methods/equipment/environment

reports

quality management

Question 6

how is culture relevant to pathology? (4)

Answer 6

multicultural work environment

specimen instructions (eg on patient forms)

involvement in community health programs (eg rural otitis media)

screening tests (esp if stigma attached eg STIs)

Question 7

what are components of audit cycle?

Answer 7

1. define standards
2. collect data
3. compare against standards
4. plan change
5. implement change
6. re-audit

Question 8

what are potential issues for data security? (4)

Answer 8

intentional breach (eg hackers)

unintentional breach (dropped notes, accidental emails)

technology failure (eg crash, system downtime, versions of software)

environmental eg fire, water, power

Question 9

What do you need for TB safety at autopsy?

Answer 9

scrubs, boots, gloves, apron, gown, mask, goggles

Question 10

what are needle stick risks for HepB, HepC and HIV?

Answer 10

HepB: 40% risk if HBe(Ag)+ (5% risk if negative)

HepC: 1-10% risk

HIV: 0.3% (0.1% for mucosal splash exposure)

do baseline and 3 month serology for HepC and HIV

Question 11

privacy vs confidentiality

Answer 11

privacy = control over information about yourself (a right you have)

confidentiality = obligation not to disclose someone’s private information (a duty you owe)

Question 12

what privacy rules govern our lab?

Answer 12

ADHB Privacy Policy

draws on: Privacy Act 1993

Question 13

What are components of informed consent? (5)

Answer 13

competent

willing

understanding

decision

permission