DS04 A transcontinental qualitative comparison study of two Mohs external quality assurance programmes

Abstract Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer. It provides distinct advantages over traditional excisional surgery and its success rate is dependent on the accurate microscopic evaluation of carefully mapped specimens. The Mohs surgeon must be able to translate abnormal findings on the tissue map into appropriate sequential tumour removal. A critical component of this technique is the surgeon’s skill in interpreting histological specimens. Some studies have investigated the concordance of Mohs surgeons’ interpretation of frozen sections with that of dermatopathologists. The American College of Mohs Surgeons has successfully run an annual diagnostic quality control virtual exam. The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) has a well-established external and independent quality assurance programme in conjunction with the Royal College of Pathologists Australia Quality Assurance Program. The British Society for Dermatological Surgery launched its own external quality assessment programme in 2022. This study compares the quality control programmes of both Australia and the UK and highlights key differences and lessons from both.