2005 Scientific Session Abstracts
A Model for Real-time Cancer Registry Data Retrieved and Maintained from an Anatomic Pathology Information System
Joel Goldwein, M.D .; George Rugg; Donna Getreuer, RN., MSN, CTR.IMPAC Medical Systems, Mountain View, CA
Context: Timely dissemination of cancer surveillance data is an essential component of cancer prevention and control activities. Such activities are in turn contingent on the timely and accurate collection of cancer data, and are a mandate of The National Program of Cancer Registries-Cancer Surveillance System (NPCR-CSS - http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/npcr/css.htm). We hereby describe and demonstrate a model for real-time data collection directly from a widely used Anatomic Pathology Information System interfaced to commercial cancer registry products.
Technology: The system was designed using a custom middle-tier data mapping algorithm designed to extract and translate appropriate data from the Anatomic Pathology Information System and present it to the Cancer Registry products as a properly formatted and codified import file.
Data extraction is performed by direct database access in accordance with established standards of the Anatomic Pathology Information System and is guided by a flexible mapping algorithm in the extraction tool to allow for future modifications. The resultant import file is created in accordance with existing registry standards.
Design: PowerPath ® [IMPAC Medical Systems, Inc, Mountain View, CA] is an Anatomic Pathology Information System currently deployed in approximately 400 pathology facilities in the United States. The system includes modules specifically designed to accommodate collection, tracking and reporting on clinical data necessary for day-to-day pathology information management. IMPAC developed an import interface between this Anatomic Pathology Information System, and a commercial registry product installed in approximately 20% of the registry marketplace. This import interface, in batch mode, transfers registry data directly from the pathology information system to the cancer registry application. The interface uses an open standard for registry data augmented with the ability to access other clinical data of interest on an as-needed basis.
Results: To date, we have validated the model in our developmental laboratory. Data collection can be performed at a registry facility geographically remote from the anatomic pathology centers. Registrars can access raw patient data via the interface. A complementary conduit to IMPAC’s Point-of-Care Oncology Information System is also available and can provide real-time access to other essential information necessary for cancer registrars to complete their data.
Conclusion: The system as described and demonstrated can provide registrars with the ability to collect cancer data in near real-time using existing registry standards. The underlying Anatomic Pathology Information System is widely deployed in facilities in the United States, and along with the import interface can serve an important function within the NPCR-CSS system. Planned interface enhancements will provide investigators with other valuable information beyond that required in a cancer registry, including data in support of post-marketing drug surveillance, clinical research and clinical trial data, and retrieval of other clinical information collected at the point-of-service.