For an institution to be committed to forward-thinking, it is imperative that it be equally committed to learning from the past. By scrutinizing our cancer cases and tracking survival rates, we can provide more information and better treatment options to our patients.
The Aultman Cancer Center's Cancer Registry is responsible for collecting, managing and analyzing data about each case we treat. Under the supervision of the Cancer Committee, the registry database stores information according to the guidelines established by the American College of Surgeons (ACOS). Currently, information collection, storage and retrieval are accomplished utilizing a PC-based software program developed by IMPAC, formerly Medical Registry Services (MRS). In June 2005, the ACOS awarded Aultman's Cancer Program the maximum three-year re-approval as a Comprehensive Community Hospital Cancer Program.
Data integrity is maintained through projects that enhance quality performance and improvement. In the past year, the registry has provided data for numerous projects relating to cancer incidence, treatment trends, referral patterns and survival. The Cancer Registry developed a long-term study comparing Aultman data against survival information from the National Cancer Data Base and MRS. All studies are monitored and reviewed by the Cancer Committee.
The follow-up rate shows that 96 percent of the patients (excluding basal and squamous cell skin cancers and in-situ cancers of the cervix) have been followed.
The Aultman Cancer Center's Cancer Registry is an essential component to our vision of quality care. Our historical data has a major impact on the treatment and care decisions our team makes for our patients. Retrospective studies are conducted on a regular basis to ensure that our patients are following national trends. Two such studies are the Colorectal Study and the Lymphoma Study, linked below.
