Standardising-and-strengthening-pathology-diagnostics
City project

Standardising and strengthening pathology diagnostics

Tbilisi improves quality and standardisation of pathology diagnosis
Tbilisi
Completion as of Mar 31, 2023
100%
Project lead
Armaz Mariamidze

The challenge

The Tbilisi needs assessment identified the absence of a quality assurance programme for laboratory medicine, including pathology and blood banks. The lack of quality requirements was reflected in a distinct variation in standards, protocols (including specimen transportation) and cancer pathology reporting procedures. As a result, delays and errors were common in cancer diagnosis, leading to interruptions in cancer care management.

The goal

To develop a quality control manual with standard operating procedures, along with quality criteria regulations and core requirements for pathology. The project will facilitate the development of both laboratories and standard pathology reporting; this, in turn, will help ensure consistent and quality diagnostics for every patient in Tbilisi.

In parallel, pathology laboratories will develop a plan for a network of the most relevant laboratories to meet the needs of cancer patients. This will serve as the basis for stakeholder alignment and cooperation, prioritisation of investment, and collaboration with international partners to increase access to, and improve the quality of pathology diagnosis in Tbilisi.

Quality protocols for sample-taking, handling and specimen transportation will also ensure that patients receive standard diagnostics and quality throughout the care continuum in all institutions. Specifications for setting up a telepathology programme will contribute to further development and increase access to subspecialty pathologists in rare cancers for consultations.

How

Four interdisciplinary teams were established to focus on and develop the different outputs of this project. A revision of current evidence and best practices was followed by international expert review and consultation, as well as scientific visits to regional partner institutions. The final documents have been submitted to the relevant authorities and will be disseminated through capacity-building workshops.

Impact / Achievements

Quality criteria regulations have been developed, with minimal requirements for pathology laboratories, and a quality control manual has been drafted, including best-practice guidelines for both operating procedures and pathology reports.

The project has also facilitated the development of quality controls for sample-taking, handling and specimen transportation, and specifications for setting up a telepathology programme.

Outputs

  • Quality criteria regulations developed, with baseline requirements for pathology laboratories.
  • Quality control manual developed, including standard operating procedures and standard pathology reports.
  • Quality protocols for sample-taking, handling and specimen transportation developed.
  • Specifications for setting up a telepathology programme formulated.

Team

Project Lead
Armaz Mariamidze
Project Team
David Makaridze
Ketevan Kankava
Lali Tsivtsivadze
Maya Mchedlishvili
Giorgi Didava
Maya Sarishvili
Alex Baidoshvili
Giorgi Burkadze
Armaz Mariamidze

Quality protocols for sample taking, handling and specimen transportation will also ensure that patients receive standard diagnostics and quality throughout the care continuum in all institutions.

Armaz Mariamidze
Head Of Laboratory Pathology Research Center Georgia

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