Capturing tumour stage in a cancer information database.

Abstract

Stage information has enabled the centre to better describe its patient clientele for accreditation purposes and to assist researchers in estimating the number of patients potentially available for prospective and retrospective studies. It is being used to guide targeted educational initiatives to selected populations in the region's catchment area and assists administrators in estimating resource needs. Resistance to the capture of stage information can be overcome with persistence, the development of procedures that facilitate physician compliance, including a reminder system, the development of institutional policies and procedures and by feedback on the uses and availability of stage information.