New Menu Structure Version=9.5

Chamges to the QAPonline menu format.

Changes are slowly being implemented in the Menu structure after you have logged on. This is part of a 2010 series of improvements to QAPonline.

FertAid Mail Version=9.5

FertAid Mail Distributions.

From late 2009, FertAid has been developing a weekly mail-out to interested participants. The mail-out contains hyper links to news and publications of relevance to ART staff. Selection of a hyper link flags your interest in the topic for professional development records.

Laboratory managers accreditation reports. Version=9.5

Laboratory managers have access to Laboratory Reports

Changes to the Laboratory Accreditation reports now mean that if staff marked as Laboratory Managers can now access the laboratory reporting modules in preparation for accreditation. Please note that summary fields will need to be updated before reporting.

Credit Card Facilities Available Version=9.4

Subscription Payments can now be made by Credit Card

FertAid has now established Credit Card Payment facilities. This means that subscribers may complete a subscription and payment online. This allows automatic access to the quality assurance schemes.

News Hyperlinks Version=9.3

FertAid now has hyperlinks to recent newspaper articles.

There are numerous newspaper articles some of which are of interest. FertAid has created a table of hyperlinks to selected articles discovered on the Internet.

Automatic enrollments - Supervisor Options. Version=9.3

The supervisor can enroll all staff in one go

If there have been no enrollments in a new year, the supervisor can select to re-enroll all staff at the same level as in the previous year. This option only works if there has been a subscription in the previos year. In the supervisor menu, Select Enrol staff and select a scheme. At the end of the list is the option to PROCEED to automatic enrollments. If one staff member has enrolled, the option is not available.

New Monthly Reporting Version=9.2

Monthly QAP reporting modified

The Supervisors Monthly reporting module has been modified to display the QA data for each scheme by month. This will allow better production of reporting and auditing.

Trimmed Means Version=9.1

Group means are now reported as trimmed means

Group means are now reported as trimmed means of Key Questions. QAPonline has instituted a trimmed means policy for all professional data sets ie for replies from enrollments listed as actively involved in the subject of the QA scheme. The trimmed means will be calculated from the replies that fall within 2 SD of the original mean after outliers of greater than 4Sd have been removed.

T estimate between means Version=9.1

Clinic and group means now compared by T-Test

Clinic and group means now compared by T-Test. In the monthly statistic page, the clinic mean for professionals is now compared by T-test to the reference populaiton. This will change with which reference group that has been selected.

FertAid has moved to SQL Server Database Version=8.1

QAPonline now based on SQL Server.

It has taken a while but QAPonline has finally moved from ACCESS to SQLSERVER database.

History of IVF Version=8.1

A chronology of IVF under Utilities

QAPonline has started a chronology of Reproductive Sciences and IVF as part of a general education portofolio. Access is via Utilities.

Secure Connection Available Version=8.1

Participants may enter via a secure connection

While most activities do not warrant a secure connection, some such as company reviews, may benefit from more privacy. From 4/6/2007, a secure conncection is available to all participants.

Page Speed Variable Version=7.1

Page loading speed can be set from User Profile

To improve page loading speed, Users may select fast (less information) or slower (more information) for those summary pages including Installment and Results pages. See the Page Speed Notation at the top of these pages. Up and Down blue arrows allow users to migrate up and down the list of installments.

Outstanding Questions Page Modifications Version=7.1

The page listing outstanding questions have been changed.

The page listing outstanding questions gets slower as the year progresses (more questions to check). This has been changed to review only questions in the selected month/year combination. This has significantly improved page speed and less impact on other users.

Multi embro selection changes Version=7.1

There have been changes in the way multiple embryos are displayed.

The 2 human embryo schemes that contain images of multiple embryos for ranking have been changed in 2006 whereby a larger animated GIF file containing several images through each embyro now allows for better selection power.

Draft Atlas of Embryology Version=7.1

A draft atlas is being developed for general viewing.

Accessed from front page via HELP/Tutorial/Training/Atlas, an inital series of images of human oocytes and embryos have been created.

Name Security Version=7.1

Profile Option to allow User name to be masked on page

Using profile option, each user may select to mask their surname from the header display. This allows the page to be printed for various purposes without their name and ID being displayed.

Security Option Version=7.1

User selected security option.

Using the profile option, each user may selectan option to only allow viewing if the user has logged on for the specific session. A session variable is compared to the users register record for compatiability of a unique and changing number. If they so not coincide, thenthe browser cannot see the page. This means that using the Internet history display to access a page will not work.

New QC sub group - experienced users. Version=7.1

Each scheme is tagged with the date of competency

When enrolling in any scheme, the user is asked to define the year of first competency. This will be used to provide each user with a new subgroup in analysis - grandfather status.

QAPonline Tutorial Version=6.1

A online tutorial is now available.

A draft online tutorial on how to use QAPonline can be accessed from the main menu

Improved Pronuclear Scoring System Version=5.1

Pronuclear QAP scheme now has a PN scoring system

The previous Pronuclear QA sheme used a qualatitive grading system. In order to allow performance assessment, an extended scoring sytem based upon Scotts grading has been inroduced.

QH&S in Liquid nitrogen handling Version=5.1

A OH&S LN safety scheme has been developed for 2005

A OH&S LN safety scheme has been developed for 2005. Using Taylor-Whartons safety manual issued with each dewar as a guide, a series of QA questions have been developed to explore one knowledge of OH&S issues with LN.

Glossary and Crosswords Version=5.1

A trial crossword has been developed as an educational tool.

A trial crossword has been developed as an educational tool. Found in the Educational folder, select a crossword and see how you go in completing it. All the words are found in the glossary.

New Ultrasound images Version=5.1

Ultrasound now uses, videos, GIF files and more images

Ultrasound now uses, videos, GIF files and more images. In 2005, QAPonline plans to use images collected from a video image of a follicle scan. Individual images are collected from the selected video image and used to provide the subscriber more images to select from to estimate a follicles diameter. This closer apprximates what happens in real time scanning.

QAP Training Group Version=5.2

QAPonline has created a training group for students.

In response to a number of enquries, QAPonline has created a new QAP group - FertAid Training School - that will use the 2004 QAP schemes as a template for individuals to enrol as a student only and complete the QAP Schemes assessment tasks. This may help individuals seeking employment in IVF to gain experience in sperm and embryo grading and current professionals to gain additional professional development skills.

Initial CV Profile Version=4.5

Maintain your CV using QAPonline

GO to Profile and Select CV. At present, you may list all your meeting and training session for your CV. This can be added anywhere in the world. It is designed to allow you to develop and maintin your list of meeting and training session and also allow your QAP Supervisor to ultimately generate a Company Education and Training Profile for the QAP group -this may be useful for accreditation and other reviews.

New Data Entry Format Version=4.5

Multi Question Data Entry Page

QAPonline has introduced a multi question submission page. This allow all questions attached to one Quiz to be submitted at the one time. But please be careful and check your answers please.

New resizable image Version=4.5

4 Size options for images

On selected question pages, QAPonline is trialling a resizable image for the quiz. This allow one to view all the questions and resize the image if needed to clarify an answer. Four options exist.In the Quiz Option, SELECT SUbmit Replies to see how it works.

Upgrade to unusual embryo scheme. Version=4.4

Reply and comment added to unusual embryo scheme

The scheme HE2002C that displays 4 unusual or abnormal embryos has been updated with the standard reply rourtines found in the current embryology schemes. If you are already enrolled, you can now add your intrepretations to what makes these embryos unusual!!

QC Testing online Version=4.3

The facility to list online a clinics internal QC testing of media and consumables is available.

A new feature of the QC components of QAPonline has been developed in relation to recent concerns of media toxicity. The feature, QC Testing, allows clinics to list their Internal QC testing of media and consumables in a data defined manner. This will allow other browsers to check if their lot number of products are OK if the testing has been carried out elsewhere.

Draft Infection Control Scheme Version=4.3

A draft infection control QC scheme is available

A draft, preliminary QA scheme to explore the knowledge base for infection control has been developed in conjunction with PIVET Medical Centre.

Consultant Viewing of scheme Version=4.2

QAP-online now allows for consultants to view the images and questions of the entire scheme

As QAP-online move towards ISO and NATA accreditation, the facility has been provided whereby the consultants who act as a peer review position may now examine all the images and questions (without providing an answer) for the entire scheme. Whereas, each subscriber must wait until the start of each new month to see and reply to each instalment, the consultants can now provide valuable feedback on the quality of the material and the appropiateness? Of each question.

Embryo Scoring Version=4.2

In 2004, a calculated embryo scoring system has been introduced.

A major criticism of the embryo QA schemes was that the score provided by the particiapants was somewhat arbitary and based on a value QAP-online allocated to each embryo grade. In 2004, QAP-online has developed a concept of the Embryo Score Parameter whereby after all the questions have been answered, the site calculates a score based upon the participants replies. It is this score that is used for QA assessments.

Multiple Video Options Version=4.1

In schemes such as sperm motility, multiple scans of the slide are available

When the QA scheme requires more than a single video, QaP-online now allows for multiple videos of the same sample to be viewed in either avi, mpg or mov formats

Staff Year To Date Summaries. Version=4.1

QAP Supervisors - Staff Year To Date Summaries.

The Supervisor based Staff Sumamries have been upgraded to allow a one page summary of each staff members activity and performance for all enrolled schemes in the current year. Data drilling allows for each scheme to be accessed if required. Select QAP SUPERVISOR/REPORTS/STAFF KEY REPORTS/STAFF LISTS to select a staff member.

QAP Quality SubGroups Version=3.1

Society or Regional QA Subgroups Available

QAP Supervisors now have the facility to create, manage and join specific QA groups for defined QA comparisons. The sub groups are a subset of the world wide professional level submissions to QAP online and may be used for country or society based QA activities. To access this option, QAP supervisors should select JOIN QAP ASSOCIATIONS from the QAP Supervisors menu.

QAP CoSupervisors Version=3.2

QAP CoSupervisors now available.

QAP_online has been asked by several clinics to allow access to the QAP Supervisors reports by other staff members. The QAP supervisor can now mark a staff member as a COSUPERVISOR. This allows the staff member to review the results of the clinics QA and individual staff members QA Activities without access to the maintainence folders available to the QA Supervisor.

Customised Question List Version=3.2

QAP Supervisors can customise the question list

QAP Supervisors can now mark questions in each discipline in which they have enrolled to be required for completion or answered at each staff members discretion. Some QAP supervisors have remarked that not all questions form part of their normal laboratory protocol and therefore should not form part of their laboratories QA program. By marking questions as complusory, staff members now need only reply to these questions if they wish. The remaining questions are still available but can be answered for their own ongoing education.

Follicle Diameter Assessment Version=2.5

A QA scheme for Follicle Measurement is Available.

A QA scheme focusing on the estimation of follicle diameters is available. This scheme is designed for IVF clinics who use follicle estimation as a primary tool for decision making. The scheme seeks to provide medical providers that the staff providing ultrasound assessment are uniform in their assessments.

QAP-online for 2003 now available. Version=2.4

QA schemes in Andrology and Embryology for 2003 now available.

The QA schemes in sperm morphology and motility and in early and late embryology are now available for subscription.

Individual Summary - All schemes Version=2.4

A one page summary for all schemes is now available.

QAP-online has now released a one page summary of an individuals performance for each scheme that contains a QAP question. The summary documents the number of installments answered, the distribution of each reply in SD units from the mean, a goodness of fit for the distribution and an estimate of bias for each scheme. The presentation is dynamic and updates the data each time the page is requested.

Quick List of QAP only Outstanding questions. Version=2.5

Quick List of QAP only Outstanding questions.

Some participants may wish to only reply to the QAP marked questions. These questions form the basis of QC/QA reporting of individual and clinic performance. Simply select outstanding questions and select QAP questions only to see the list of unanswered QAP questions. In the way, if you are in a hurry to complete the monthly exercises, this may help. QAP-online encourages you to go back and complete the remaining questions at your leisure.

Embryo Fragmentation Scheme Version=2.5

A scheme to assessment embryo fragmentation is available for 2003.

A scheme to assessment embryo fragmentation is available for 2003. The scheme has only 1 question: What is the % fragmenttion in this embryo. The question is QAP marked. This means that the QC reporting features of QAP-online - SD variation from the mean and full summary reports for each staff member and for your clinic are available.

QAP-online Annual Summary Version=2.4

QAP-online Annual Summary

The QAP-supervisor now may review the performance of the clinic from a single page report. The report summarises the results of all installments in each QA scheme the clinic is enrolled in. The assessment for goodness of fit and bias is generated online.

QA Schemes for 2003 Available Version=2.4

The QA Schemes for 2003 are now available

The QA schemes in sperm morphology and motility and in early and late embryology are now available for subscription.

AVI Motility Video Images Version=2.3

A new format for sperm motility videos has been intorduced

A new AVI format for the sperm motility videos has been released. The new format files are all under 1MB and should take about 3-4 minutes to download if you do not have a broadband connection. This means there are now 3 video formats to choose from. - hope it helps !

QAP Supervisors Reporting for each release Version=2.3

Supervisor can now summarise each release results

To meet ILAC requirments, QAP-online has provided the facility for the QAP supervisor to create a summary report for each release for each scheme and to mark the preformance of the staff completing the QAP from very satisfactory to requiring urgent attention. This report is available to all staff in the company who are enrolled in the scheme when they review their results.

Sperm Counter Available. Version=2.3

A sperm counter is now available for use with the slide show.

Following the introduction of the image slide show for estimation of % normal forms in the sperm morphlogy QA scheme, a on screen counter is now available. One can count the number of abnormalities per sperm and the counter computes the % normal forms and the TZI. All you have to do is add the data to the QA scheme.

Fertility Counsellors Survey Available Version=2.3

Fertility Counsellors Survey Available

Fertility Counsellors Survey Available.

Fertility Counsellors Ongoing Education Scheme Version=2.3

Fertility Counsellors Ongoing Education Scheme

Fertility Counsellors Ongoing Education Scheme. Hosted by Mr Henry Wellsmore, the ongoing education scheme for fertility counsellors is designed to provide a interactive professional developmentenvironment by supplying monthly scenarios to discuss online.

Peer Review Version=2.2

Replies may be compared to peer subscribers

A new type of subscription has been introduced where selected subscribers are invited to participate at a peer level. This means that your replies may be compared to a group of participants whose views may be considered to reflect the current best practice/ opinion.

Spem Morhohology Slide Show Version=2.2

A slide show is now available for sperm morphology

Replacing the original animated GIF files, the sperm morphology QA scheme now uses a slide show to display individual images of sperm for assessment for sperm morphology. Browsers are able to scan each image at their own pace and to move forwards and backwards at their leisure.

Internal Comments Version=2.2

Comments can now be mark for Internal QA group only

After all questions have received a reply, browsers may make a comment on the questions,image or other information available to all browsers or only those who are members of your Internal QAP group.

Clinic Outcome QA Scheme Available Version=2.1

A QA scheme to benchmark your clinical outcomes now available.

The clinical QA scheme is designed to address quality assurance in clinical outcomes. The scheme monitors ova, fertilisation and embryo utilisation as a function of egg recoveries. The primary QA key for this scheme is embryo utilisation, that is how many embryos are used per embryo created. The scheme is intentionally monitoring only a limited number of factors in the first 1-2 years. Information is calculated before data entry in this scheme. You will need to prepare the number of ova recoveries, the average oocytes/OPU,the average 2PN embryos/OPU,the average number of embryos transferred/ ET, the average number of embryos frozen/OPU and the average number of embryos utilised/OPU. Monthly data entry allows for internal QC reporting and external QA comparisons.

New Sperm Morphology QA Scheme Version=2.1

Tygerberg Strict Criteria QA scheme now available

QAP-online has now released a QA scheme to review sperm morphology by the Tygerberg Strict Criteria. The scheme displays 2 images each month, one to identify if several spermatozoa are normal and the other, an animated file to assess the % normal forms. Full reporting facilities are available on the latter image.

Antisperm Antibody Survey Available Version=2.1

Dr David Kay, Uni Newcastle, has compiled a survey on antisperm antibody protocols.

A survey of current protocols and procedures on antispem antibody assessment has been placed on the QAP-online site for scientists involved on this field to complete. It takes about 5 minutes to answer the questions and the results can be viewed at any time in the Survey Summary Page of the QAP-online site.

New Company Page Version=2.1

New Company page available

When a QAP supervisor creates a compnay record for an Internal QAP group, all participants in the group now see a separate company page.

QAP-online Laboratory Comparison. Version=2.0

QAP-online has released a free Laboratory Comparison for Embryologists to join.

The comparison was developed to provide embryologists with a snapshop of what are the current procedures and practices in IVF clinics around the world. It is confidential and easy to complete and produces information available to all participants on the proportion of scientists using different protocols. The numbers will change as new participants enroll. It is hoped that a similar survey may be created each year. The questions are largely multiple choice with uncomplicated options but there may be other questions or options of interest to you that can be added later. Please contact FertAid. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

QAP-online Welcomes You. Version=2.0

As February, 2002, QAP-online is available for IVF laboratory scientist to participate in one or more of the QAP schemes available.

QAP-online, a development of FertAid Pty Ltd, was created to provide reproductive scientsis with an educational and quality assurance tool to ensure the highest level of skills are available for IVF and the reproductive sciences n general. The Internet, while not without its limitations, is a unique vechile for scientists around the world to interact. The interaction is at your convenience and is confidential ( as much as the Internet can be private). QAP-online welcomes your comments and suggestions.