Why reinvent the wheel? The tumor registry as a radiation oncology quality assurance data base for hospitals.

The Tumor Registry wheel has a sound, tested, basic design and could serve the dual purpose of a Radiation Oncology QADB. Many of the issues raised by Williamson regarding a QADB have already been addressed and tested by the Tumor Registry and commercially available Tumor Registry software. Registry personnel are trained in this type of data collection, coding and reporting. You may already have a Tumor Registry that has the capacity to provide this service to your department with the addition of only minimal efforts. If your Tumor Registry only collects minimal data now, it is probably because it has only minimal support and use. If you choose to utilize the Tumor Registry for your Radiation Oncology QADB, your department can provide additional support in many ways in return for the services provided to you. Maximum support can be given by assuming full responsibility and locating the registry in the Radiation Oncology cost center. As mentioned earlier, many Radiation Oncologists have recognized the variety of benefits derived from this situation. Other forms of assistance might include financial support for the upgrading of computer hardware and software required to facilitate these new needs, or by providing additional secretarial personnel, possibly on a part-time basis. Support voiced to the administration from the Radiation Oncologist for the need and use of the Tumor Registry can be helpful in getting approval for upgrading tumor registry equipment or obtaining adequate personnel. Developing a symbiotic relationship between these two departments can strengthen the entire Cancer Program as well as each of the individual departments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)