Error Management in the Cytopathology Laboratory: Learning from Our Mistakes

The topic of error reduction and patient safety in healthcare has recently come to the forefront of medical practice, particularly since the publication of the Institute of Medicine's reports on medical error (1999) and the general quality of healthcare (2001). Though it is relatively new to the Cytopathology laboratory, many areas of medicine are applying process improvement tools and methods that have been successfully employed in manufacturing for years to reduce error, improve processes and reduce waste. This teleconferece will discuss various theories on dealing with errors and introduce the concept of error management as a component of a quality management system with emphasis on practical process improvement tools that can be used to identify and analyze root cause of laboratory errors. Case studies of errors that occur in the Cytopathology laboratory will be utilized to demonstrate how to apply process improvement tools.

Intended Audience: Pathologists, Residents, Bench Supervisors, Cytotechnologists

The ASCP designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation n the activities.

ASCP designates this activity for a maximum of 1 CMLE credits. This activity meets CMP and state licensure requirements for laboratory personnel.