Quality Use of Pathology

Quality Use of Pathology Program (QUPP)

This program aims to achieve improvements - in health and economic outcomes - in the use of pathology in health care, through the pursuit of better practice amongst referrers and providers of pathology services and knowledgeable and engaged consumers.

The objectives of QUPP are:

1. To consolidate and enhance QUPP outputs to date through strategies to:
1. implement and promote implementation of what has been learnt to providers, referrers and consumers; and
2. involve other stakeholders through ongoing dialogue or through the program structure, including referrers such as general practitioners, specialists and medical students.


2. To promote, facilitate and support education of referrers, providers and consumers through information and education strategies including:
1. appropriate education and training in pathology at undergraduate level;
2. ongoing education of referrers and providers commencing at entry to workforce and continuing;
3. development of case based learning modules to support evidence-based, best practice requesting and in particular to inform the request / test / report / prescribing sequences for complex, low volume and / or specific disease states and conditions; and
4. provision of online consumer and referrer information.


3. To progress the development and full operation of a desktop-based electronic decision support system that has high useability and provides online consumer and referrer information.



4. To develop and sustain a comprehensive, national, communication strategy, in conjunction with consumer health information and advocacy organisations, to promote high awareness of the Program throughout the pathology industry and profession, throughout all referrer professional organisations and media, and in health and public policy environments.

Best Practice in Pathology Requesting and Reporting Workshop

QUPP Strategic Work Plan 2006-07 to 2008-09

The Quality Use of Pathology Committee is responsible for overseeing the Quality Use of Pathology Program.

Quality Use of Pathology Program Newsletters

QUPC Endorsed Reports

Consumer Engagement

Currently Funded Projects under the QUPP

Report from the National Workshop on Safety and Quality in Pathology 2007
The Second National Workshop on Safety and Quality in Pathology 6 November 2008

The Australian Pathology Workforce Crisis

If you are having difficulty accessing the PDF document, please contact qupp@health.gov.au for an alternative version to be sent to you.