Multidisciplinary workshop recommends mandatory minimum cancer dataset

A large multidisciplinary workshop organised by the National Cancer Registry has come out strongly in support of the mandatory reporting of cancer in Ireland and the development of an extensive national minimum cancer dataset.

The workshop, which involved almost 100 clinicians, nurses, data managers, researchers, administrators and industry representatives, was held recently in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham under the auspices of the National Cancer Registry and the HSE National Hospitals Office.

The workshop recommended an expansion of the current National Cancer Registry dataset to include a wide range of patient- and process-centred variables. It suggested that hospital cancer funding and accreditation would be linked to compliance with dataset standards. To develop the dataset and ensure its general acceptance an expert group should now be set up to refine and promote the dataset, in consultation with stakeholders, the workshop concluded.

Speaking after the workshop, Dr Harry Comber, Director of the National Cancer Registry said "These broadly-based recommendations give us a clear direction for the development of a standard national cancer dataset which will drive quality improvement and equity across the cancer service". Mr John O'Brien, Director of the National Hospital Office said "The HSE is committed to the development of a robust evidence base for the development of cancer services. Standard data collection and reporting will be a keystone of this evidence base."

A full report on the workshop and copies of presentations by Dr Anna Gavin (Northern Ireland Cancer Registry), Professor John Reynolds (St James's Hospital), Ms Marie Lavin (Irish Association of Nurses in Oncology), Dr Sheila Rochford (GP and cancer survivor) and Dr Davida De La Harpe (HSE-Population Health) are also available on this website.
(Presentations are identified by initials).