Evaluation of the Understanding of Cancer Registration Manual by Medical Record Administrators

摘要

Background: This study examined (a) whether medical record administrators (MRAs) properly understand and apply the cancer registration manual, (b) the weaknesses in their cancer registrations, and (c) any factors influencing the accuracy of cancer registration.Methods: The MRAs dealing with cancer registration in 81 national member hospitals were asked to answer by mail, 17 questions about cancer information among the registration items. After calculating the rates of correct and incorrect answers to each question, it was analysed whether the rate of correct answers was related to the relevant factors (hospital type, hospital location, number of hospital beds, experience of cancer registration, and experience of consulting cancer registration). Results: A total of 45.7% of the participants gave approximately 90% correct answers. The rate of correct answers about general rules was under 90% for object of cancer registration and treatment. The rate concerning histologic type was over 90% for all participants, while few exceeded 50% on questions concerning the newly revised rules on the colorectal system. For the questions about initial treatment, date of diagnosis, and method of final diagnosis, as well as the four questions on checking the validity of registered data, the correct answer rate was 70-90%. Regarding the features of hospitals and respondents, number of hospital beds and prior experience in cancer registration questions were found to contribute to the high rate of correct answers.Conclusion: To improve the accuracy of cancer registration, the manual needs to be supplemented in the areas revealing low correct answer rates. Education opportunities and methods for MRAs should be diversified.