![](media/image1.png){width="2.529861111111111in"
height="1.4409722222222223in"}

National Program of Cancer Registries

![](media/image2.png){width="1.9902777777777778in"
height="2.0506944444444444in"}

Registry Plus Software for Cancer Registries

Abstract Plus

User Training Manual

Version 1.0

(Based on Abstract Plus Version 2.1)

![](media/image3.png){width="1.3229166666666667in"
height="0.6513888888888889in"}

## 

Contents

[Introduction 1](#introduction)

[Overall Learning Objectives 1](#overall-learning-objectives)

[The Abstract Plus Training Manual
1](#the-abstract-plus-training-manual)

[Abstract Plus Purpose 2](#abstract-plus-purpose)

[Abstract Plus Capability and Features
2](#abstract-plus-capability-and-features)

[Users 3](#users)

[User Types 3](#user-types)

[User Support 3](#user-support)

[System Requirements 3](#system-requirements)

[Installing and Accessing Abstract Plus
4](#installing-and-accessing-abstract-plus)

[Chapter 1: The Basics 5](#the-basics)

[Learning Objectives 5](#learning-objectives)

[Overview 5](#overview)

[Logging In 6](#logging-in)

[Creating a New User ID 8](#creating-a-new-user-id)

[Logging Off Abstract Plus 10](#logging-off-abstract-plus)

[Abstract Plus Main Menu 13](#abstract-plus-main-menu)

[Questions 16](#questions)

[Chapter 2: Setting up and Configuring Abstract Plus
17](#setting-up-and-configuring-abstract-plus)

[Learning Objectives 17](#learning-objectives-1)

[Overview 17](#overview-1)

[Projects 18](#projects)

[Critical Missing Fields 18](#critical-missing-fields)

[Display Types 18](#display-types)

[Display Fields 19](#display-fields)

[Configuring Abstract Plus 20](#configuring-abstract-plus)

[Managing Users 23](#managing-users)

[Changing the Administrator's Password
24](#changing-the-administrators-password)

[Questions 25](#questions-1)

[Chapter 3: Working with Abstracts 26](#working-with-abstracts)

[Learning Objectives 26](#learning-objectives-2)

[Overview 27](#overview-2)

[Importing an Abstract 28](#importing-an-abstract)

[Import and Open an Abstract Practice Activity
28](#import-and-open-an-abstract-practice-activity)

[The Abstract Plus Abstracting Screen
32](#the-abstract-plus-abstracting-screen)

[Creating a New Abstract 34](#creating-a-new-abstract)

[Create Abstract Practice Activity
34](#create-abstract-practice-activity)

[Questions 37](#questions-2)

[Entering Information into Text Fields
38](#entering-information-into-text-fields)

[Entering Information into Text Fields Practice Activity
38](#entering-information-into-text-fields-practice-activity)

[Correcting Errors 39](#correcting-errors)

[Correct Errors Practice Activity 39](#correct-errors-practice-activity)

[Saving an Abstract 41](#saving-an-abstract)

[Save Abstract Practice Activity 41](#save-abstract-practice-activity)

[Questions 42](#questions-3)

[Assigning an Abstract to a Project
43](#assigning-an-abstract-to-a-project)

[Assign Project Practice Activity 43](#assign-project-practice-activity)

[Modifying an Abstract 44](#modifying-an-abstract)

[Modify Abstract Practice Activity
44](#modify-abstract-practice-activity)

[Copying an Abstract 46](#copying-an-abstract)

[Copy Abstract Practice Activity 46](#copy-abstract-practice-activity)

[Questions 48](#questions-4)

[Exporting Abstracts 49](#exporting-abstracts)

[Export Abstract Practice Activities
49](#export-abstract-practice-activities)

[Printing a Range of Abstracts 56](#printing-a-range-of-abstracts)

[Print Range of Abstracts Practice Activity
56](#print-range-of-abstracts-practice-activity)

[Using the Notepad Function (Utilities)
59](#using-the-notepad-function-utilities)

[Notepad Function Practice Activity
59](#notepad-function-practice-activity)

[Restoring Data 61](#restoring-data)

[Restoring Data Practice Activity 61](#restoring-data-practice-activity)

[Questions 63](#questions-5)

[Running Reports 64](#running-reports)

[Running Reports Practice Activity
65](#running-reports-practice-activity)

[Accession Register Report 65](#accession-register-report)

[Patient Index Report 66](#patient-index-report)

[Selected Cases Report 67](#selected-cases-report)

[Status Report (Count of cases) Summary
70](#status-report-count-of-cases-summary)

[Completion of Abstracts by Month 72](#completion-of-abstracts-by-month)

[Questions 73](#questions-6)

[Appendix: Answers 74](#appendix-answers)

#  {#section-1 .Intro .unnumbered}

# Introduction {#introduction .Intro}

## Overall Learning Objectives

The overall learning objectives for the Abstract Plus training course
are

-   Identify the purpose and benefits of Abstract Plus.

-   Log in to Abstract Plus after installation.

-   Identify the components of Abstract Plus.

-   Know how Abstract Plus is set up and configured.

-   Import and export abstracts.

-   Create abstracts.

-   Run the available reports.

-   Modify abstracts.

-   Back up and restore data.

## The Abstract Plus Training Manual

This training manual contains three chapters that will be reviewed and
used during the training session. Each chapter focuses on a specific
section or topic and provides requirements, explanations, instructions,
and questions.

Please feel free to make additional copies of the manual and share with
your colleagues.

## Abstract Plus Purpose

Abstract Plus was developed to accomplish the following goals

-   To summarize the medical record into an electronic report of cancer
    diagnosis and treatment by abstractors and other individuals or
    groups who work with cancer data.

-   To support CDC\'s National Program of Cancer Registries. Abstract
    Plus supports all data items in national standard data sets,
    including text. CDC provides support and consultation to state
    central registries for their state-specific customization and
    distribution of the Registry Plus software.

## Abstract Plus Capability and Features

-   The output of Abstract Plus is an electronic abstract in the format
    of the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries
    (NAACCR) data exchange layout (currently NAACCR version 11).

-   The data set can be customized to meet local needs including
    locally-defined variables with a selection of data items and the
    order in which they are displayed.

-   The NAACCR edits are tightly integrated into Abstract Plus, allowing
    standard editing and error correction online.

-   Abstract Plus includes Registry Plus Online Help, a collection of
    standard coding manuals that are cross-referenced, indexed, and
    context-linked to minimize the need for reference to printed manuals
    during abstracting.

-   Abstract Plus can be distributed free of charge to cancer reporting
    facilities in a state.

-   Although the product is not designed to include all functionality
    needed in an approved hospital cancer registry, it is suitable for
    reporting from non-registry hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and
    other sources for cancer incident reports.

-   Abstract Plus can also be configured for special purpose data
    collection.

-   Abstract Plus has multi-cultural and multi-language options; Spanish
    translation is currently available.

## Users

Abstract Plus users consist of

-   Abstractors (CTR certified)

-   Central cancer registrars

-   Other individuals or groups who work with cancer data in hospitals,
    doctor's offices, laboratories, etc.

## User Types 

The following table describes the two types of Abstract Plus users

+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| Users             | Description                                      |
+===================+==================================================+
| General Users     | General users can add, edit, and delete          |
|                   | abstracts. They cannot perform administrative    |
|                   | functions, such as setting up Abstract Plus      |
|                   | configurations.                                  |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| Administrators    | Administrators can perform all the functions of  |
|                   | general users, but have additional rights in the |
|                   | system. They can perform additional functions    |
|                   | such as editing the display types and fields, or |
|                   | changing the user ID or password.                |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | An administrator password is required in order   |
|                   | to perform administrative functions.             |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+

## User Support

For user support information, refer to the Registry Plus web site at
<http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/registryplus/ap.htm>. CDC supports the state
central registry and the state central registry supports Abstract Plus
users.

## System Requirements 

For user system requirements information, refer to the Registry Plus web
site at <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/registryplus/ap.htm>.

## Installing and Accessing Abstract Plus

To install and access Abstract Plus

1.  Link to your Internet Web Browser (i.e., Internet Explorer,
    Netscape, etc.) by clicking on the desktop icon or by clicking
    **Start**, selecting Programs, and then selecting the Internet Web
    Browser link.

2.  On the Web Browser, type in the following URL for the Registry Plus
    web site and press **Enter**.

    <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/registryplus/>

3.  Under the Registry Plus Components section, select the **Abstract
    Plus** link.

4.  Be sure to read the section "Installing and Upgrading Abstract
    Plus."

5.  Under the "Installation" section, click the **Download Abstract Plus
    to your Computer** link.

6.  Click **Download** on the displayed page and follow all the prompts
    to download Abstract Plus.

7.  To access Abstract Plus, double-click the Abstract Plus icon (shown
    below) on your desktop.

    ![](media/image4.png){width="0.8125in"
    height="0.6458333333333334in"}

+-----+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![  | The system administrator or someone with administrative        |
| ](m | privileges to your machine will install Abstract Plus for each |
| edi | user.                                                          |
| a/i |                                                                |
| mag | The downloaded version of Abstract Plus is a generic one. Most |
| e5. | users will need a customized version of the software set up to |
| png | meet the requirements of a specific locale, usually a state or |
| ){w | specific study. Potential users of Abstract Plus should first  |
| idt | contact their State Central Cancer Registry staff for their    |
| h=" | customized version and for support.                            |
| 0.3 |                                                                |
| 229 |                                                                |
| 166 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 667 |                                                                |
| in" |                                                                |
| hei |                                                                |
| ght |                                                                |
| ="0 |                                                                |
| .44 |                                                                |
| 791 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 67i |                                                                |
| n"} |                                                                |
+-----+----------------------------------------------------------------+

# The Basics 

## Learning Objectives

Upon the completion of this chapter, you will be able to

-   Log in to Abstract Plus as a guest.

-   Create your own user ID and password.

-   Log in using your own user ID and password.

-   Log out and use the Backup Option.

-   Navigate the Abstract Plus main menu.

## Overview

The first step in using Abstract Plus is to log in to the system. The
system comes pre-loaded with a user ID and password that you can use;
however, you can also create a unique user ID and password of your own.
Creating your own user ID and password is particularly useful as a way
to uniquely identify the user. When logged in with your own user ID and
password, you are recorded as the abstractor. This information can be
used as selection criteria for reports and exports, and can also be used
for general tracking purposes to associate abstractors with their
specific abstracts. When logging out of Abstract Plus after completing
your work, the system prompts you to back up the abstract database.

The Abstract Plus administrator can add as many users as necessary. The
administrator functions will be discussed later in the training.

## Logging In

After installing Abstract Plus, you can log in as a guest using the
pre-loaded user ID and password

To log in to Abstract Plus as a guest

1.  From the Start menu, select Programs and select Abstract Plus.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
8.  Select AbsPlus to display the User ID window.

    **Result:** The pre-loaded user ID information is pre-selected, if
    no other users have been added.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   If other users have been added, you will not be able to create
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       your own user ID. Select user DOE and consult the Administrator
                                                       to create your user name.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

![](media/image6.png){width="4.260416666666667in"
height="2.3854166666666665in"}

9.  Type **guest** in the Password field. Notice that the system does
    not display the password, but displays asterisks instead. Passwords
    are not case sensitive.

    ![](media/image7.png){width="4.260416666666667in"
    height="2.3854166666666665in"}

10. Click **Cancel**.

> **Result:** The Abstract Plus system closes.

+-----+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![  | When logging in as a guest, you would click **OK**, but for    |
| ](m | the purpose of this training, you will be creating your own    |
| edi | user ID and password.                                          |
| a/i |                                                                |
| mag | Abstract Plus Help is available by clicking                    |
| e5. | ![](media/image8.png) whether or not you log in to the system. |
| png |                                                                |
| ){w |                                                                |
| idt |                                                                |
| h=" |                                                                |
| 0.3 |                                                                |
| 229 |                                                                |
| 166 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 667 |                                                                |
| in" |                                                                |
| hei |                                                                |
| ght |                                                                |
| ="0 |                                                                |
| .44 |                                                                |
| 791 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 666 |                                                                |
| 67i |                                                                |
| n"} |                                                                |
+-----+----------------------------------------------------------------+

## Creating a New User ID

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image9.png){width="0.5833333333333334in"   You can create a user ID for yourself using the AP1 method
  height="0.40625in"}                                  only once. If multiple users already exist in the system,
                                                       i.e. the pre-loaded user and the one you set up, the system
                                                       disables the AP1 user ID and you can no longer create a user.
                                                       The administrator can create as many users as necessary.

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------

To create your own user ID and log into Abstract Plus

1.  Access the Abstract Plus login window.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
11. Type **AP1** in the USER ID field.

    **Result:** The Edit User ID/Password window opens. Notice that the
    current user is identified in the Current User ID field as AP1. The
    same user ID is also displayed at the bottom right-hand of the
    window.

    ![](media/image10.png){width="5.052083333333333in" height="4.375in"}

12. Click ![](media/image11.png){width="0.2604166666666667in"
    height="0.21875in"} on the upper right-hand side of the window for
    detailed help information.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   You do not have to log into the system to access the Help pages.
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

13. Click **Add New** and type your name in the User Name text field
    highlighted.

14. Tab to the User ID field and type your initials in the User ID text
    box.

15. Tab to the next field and type your chosen password in the Enter
    Password field.

16. Press **Enter**.

    **Result:** The system changes the Enter Password field to Confirm
    Password.

17. Confirm the password by typing it in the Confirm Password field.

18. Press **Enter**.

    **Result:** The system adds the new user ID to the users list.

19. Select the user ID you just created and select **Change Current
    User**.

    **Result:** The system displays the name and ID in the appropriate
    fields, and focuses on the Password text box.

20. Type your newly-created password and press **Enter**.

    **Result:** The system displays you as the new current user.

21. Click **Close** to close the Edit User ID/Password window and
    display the Abstract Plus main menu.

## Logging Off Abstract Plus

When logging off Abstract Plus, the system prompts you to back up the
current abstract data.

To log off Abstract Plus

1.  In the Abstract Plus menu, select File and choose Exit.

    **Result:** The system prompts you to confirm that you want to exit
    the system.

    ![](media/image12.png){width="1.9270833333333333in"
    height="1.0416666666666667in"}

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
22. Click **OK** to confirm that you want to exit Abstract Plus.

    **Result:** A prompt appears, asking you if you want to back up your
    work.

    ![](media/image13.png){width="3.4895833333333335in"
    height="1.3125in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image9.png){width="0.5833333333333334in"   Although you can choose otherwise, it is strongly recommended
  height="0.40625in"}                                  that you back up all the work you have done during an
                                                       Abstract Plus session.

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------

23. Click **Yes**. Notice that you can also choose not to back up your
    work.

    **Result:** A dialog box appears.

    ![](media/image14.png){width="5.083333333333333in"
    height="3.1666666666666665in"}

24. Accept the default location for saving the backup file by clicking
    **OK**.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   You can navigate to wherever you please to save the backup
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             file.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

**Result:** A window used in the backup process opens.

![](media/image16.png){width="4.247916666666667in"
height="2.9923611111111112in"}

25. Click **Next**.

    **Result:** Another window used for the backup process opens. This
    window confirms all the options you selected for backing up the
    file.

    ![](media/image17.png){width="4.376388888888889in"
    height="3.082638888888889in"}

26. Click **Finish**.

    **Result:** The system saves the information in a zip file and
    displays a confirmation message.

    ![](media/image18.png){width="3.3020833333333335in"
    height="1.0416666666666667in"}

27. Click **OK** to close Abstract Plus.

28. Log into Abstract Plus again.

## Abstract Plus Main Menu

The Abstract Plus main menu is made up of menu options that allows you
to carry out all the available tasks. Some menu options are also
available as buttons in the toolbar as shown below.

![](media/image19.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
height="1.0611111111111111in"}

The following tables describe the menu options.

**File**

+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Use this menu         | To...                                        |
| option...             |                                              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| New Abstract          | Create a new abstract.                       |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as ![](media/image20.png){width="0.25in"     |
|                       | height="0.20833333333333334in"}.             |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Open/Find Abstract... | Find and display information for an existing |
|                       | abstract.                                    |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as                                           |
|                       | ![](medi                                     |
|                       | a/image21.png){width="0.23958333333333334in" |
|                       | height="0.25in"}.                            |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Copy Abstract...      | Copy an existing abstract.                   |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as                                           |
|                       | ![](med                                      |
|                       | ia/image22.png){width="0.2604166666666667in" |
|                       | height="0.22916666666666666in"}.             |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Close Abstract        | Close an open abstract.                      |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as ![](media/image23.png){width="0.84375in"  |
|                       | height="0.25in"}.                            |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Save Abstract...      | Save abstract information.                   |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as                                           |
|                       | ![](med                                      |
|                       | ia/image24.png){width="0.2708333333333333in" |
|                       | height="0.23958333333333334in"}.             |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Export Abstracts...   | Export abstract(s) from Abstract Plus into a |
|                       | NAACCR layout text file.                     |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as ![](media/image25.png).                   |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Import Abstract in    | Import abstract(s) from a NAACCR layout text |
| NAACCR Format...      | file into the Abstract Plus database. This   |
|                       | option is also available on the toolbar as   |
|                       | ![](media/image26.png).                      |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Printer Setup...      | Display a dialog box for printer options.    |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Print Current         | Preview the displayed abstract before        |
| Abstract              | printing it.                                 |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | This option is also available on the toolbar |
|                       | as                                           |
|                       | ![](med                                      |
|                       | ia/image27.png){width="0.2708333333333333in" |
|                       | height="0.20833333333333334in"}.             |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Print Range of        | Select and send a range of abstracts to a    |
| Abstracts...          | printer or save in a file.                   |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Restore...            | Restore the database. Replace corrupted      |
|                       | database with previously saved backup.       |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Exit                  | Log off Abstract Plus with an option to back |
|                       | up the database with your work.              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+

**Administration (password protected options)**

  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------
  Use this menu option... To...

  Projects...             Edit the project names in Abstract Plus.

  Critical Fields...      Edit the critical fields for a project in
                          Abstract Plus.

  Display Types...        Edit display type names.

  Display Fields...       Edit display fields for a display type.

  User ID/Password...     Edit user ID and/or password.

  Administrator's         Edit the administrator's password.
  Password...             

  System Configuration... Select preferences and edits for a
                          configuration name.

  Delete Current          Delete the currently displayed abstract.
  Abstract...             
  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------

**Utilities**

+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Use this menu        | To...                                         |
| option...            |                                               |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Batch Completion     | Check the completion count in unexported      |
| Re-check (Unexported | abstracts.                                    |
| Abstracts)           |                                               |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Registry Query       | Disabled option from previous versions.       |
| System               |                                               |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Doctor Query System  | Query and search the database of local        |
|                      | physicians. DQS can be accessed whether or    |
|                      | not there is an active abstract or a          |
|                      | physician field selected.                     |
|                      |                                               |
|                      | This option is also available on the toolbar  |
|                      | as ![](media/image28.png).                    |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Import Data into RQS | Disabled option from previous versions.       |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Notepad              | Launch Notepad to view created text files.    |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

**Reports**

  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------
  Use this menu option... To...

  Accession Register      Preview the Accession Register report before
                          printing it.

  Patient Index           Preview the Patient Index report before
                          printing it.

  Selected Cases...       Select specific cases and preview a report
                          listing the cases selected before printing it.

  Status Report (Count of Enter a date range and preview a report showing
  Cases) Summary...       the totals of complete and incomplete records
                          before printing it.

  Completion Status of    Enter a date range and preview a report
  Abstracts by Month...   breaking down the status of incomplete and
                          complete records within the specified date
                          range before printing it.
  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------

**Help**

  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------
  Use this menu option... To...

  Contents...             View the contents the Abstract Plus Help.

  Search for help on...   Enter text for which you need more information.

  About                   View version information for Abstract Plus.
  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------

### Questions

1.  Can you log into Abstract Plus without creating a user ID and
    password? How?

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
29. Why is it important to create your own user ID and password?

30. Do you have to log into Abstract Plus to use the online Help?

31. When logging off Abstract Plus, how can you ensure that the work you
    did during the session is secure and safe?

# Setting up and Configuring Abstract Plus

## Learning Objectives

Upon the completion of this chapter, you will

-   Have a general idea of how Abstract Plus is set up and configured by
    the Administrator.

-   Understand critical missing fields and projects.

-   Understand display fields and display types.

-   Know the options available with system configuration.

## Overview

This section gives a general idea of the functions available under the
Administration menu (shown below) and describes how the administrator
sets up display types and edit sets, and configures the system.

![](media/image29.png){width="5.375694444444444in" height="3.0875in"}

When selected, functions under the Administration menu require an
administrator password in the Administrator's Password window. The
system displays the window only once during an Abstract Plus session.
After entering the password, the administration functions become
available throughout the session.

![](media/image30.png){width="3.90625in" height="2.15625in"}

## Projects 

All abstracts must be attached to a project. The administrator adds,
maintains, and deletes projects from the Projects option on the
Administration menu. All projects created are available to the users
from the abstracting screen. Multiple projects may be assigned to an
abstract.

## Critical Missing Fields

Critical missing fields are fields for which a user is required to enter
a value, for a specific project. If data is missing from a critical
missing field, the system displays an error when running EDITS and marks
the abstract as incomplete. The administrator sets up critical missing
fields. This feature can be accessed using the Critical Fields option on
the Administration menu.

## Display Types

Display types are used to define the order and properties of fields
displayed for an abstract. The administrator adds, maintains, and
deletes display types. This function is accessed through the Displays
Types option under the Administration menu. The administrator assigns a
display type to a configuration. The user can select an available
configuration from the abstracting screen.

Display types set the fields displayed or shown on the abstract data
entry screen and offer the administrator the flexibility to specify the
fields that a user can see. For example, the administrator can set a
display type that allows you to see only 10 fields which are relevant to
the data being entered in one location, and set another display type
that allows you to see 50 fields which include additional fields entered
in another location.

## Display Fields

The administrator assigns display fields to display types and properties
set using the Display Fields Selection window. Properties set for a
field include, **invisible** (used in edits but not displayed),
**protected** (value displayed but unable to change) and **default**
**value** (initial value of field). This window can be accessed using
the Display Fields option under the Administration menu.

##  Configuring Abstract Plus

The administrator configures the system using the System Configuration
option under the Administration menu. The System Configuration window is
used to create, maintain, and delete different sets of configurations,
and has the following three tabs: EDITS Options, Preferences, and
Configuration. The configurations created by the administrator can be
selected from the abstracting screen to change the view and choices
available for an abstract.

**Configuration**

The administrator uses the Configuration tab, shown below, to define
display types, edit sets, and collaborative staging for a configuration.
When working with an abstract, you can change configurations by simply
selecting another available configuration from the Configuration
drop-down list. The last used configuration becomes the default for a
newly opened abstract until you change it.

![](media/image31.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
height="3.717361111111111in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   Unlike the choices in the EDITS options and Preferences tabs
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       that are generally changed upon login only, choices in the
                                                       Configuration tab become immediately visible in the abstracting
                                                       screen when the configuration name is changed.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

**EDITS Options**

The administrator uses the EDITS Options tab, shown below, to set the
parameters for EDITS, the program that checks abstracts for errors. The
tab displays the selected edit set and display type. The administrator
can click **Configure Individual Edits** to further set up more edit
options for each edit in the edit set.

The configuration of the options allows maximum flexibility. The
administrator can specify exactly which edits are to be run against your
data and the conditions under which they will run.

![](media/image32.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
height="3.717361111111111in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   Changes to the EDITS options are not immediate; they are visible
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       the next time the user logs into the system with this
                                                       configuration name set as the default.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

**Preferences**

The administrator uses the Preferences tab, shown below, to control
functions such as automatically filling the abstractor ID, setting the
default database and backup database/restore folders, calculating the
age of a patient at time of diagnosis, etc. These options are normally
the same for all configurations.

![](media/image33.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
height="3.717361111111111in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   Changes to the Preferences tab are not immediate; for the most
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       part, they are visible the next time the user logs into the
                                                       system with this configuration name set as the default.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

## Managing Users

The User ID/Password option under the Administration menu displays the
Edit User ID/Password window that allows the administrator to add and
delete users in a location and also change the password of users.

![](media/image34.png){width="5.052083333333333in" height="4.375in"}

## Changing the Administrator's Password

An administrator's password can be changed using the Administrator's
Password option under the Administration menu. This option displays the
Administrator's Password window where the administrator can check or
change the password.

![](media/image35.png){width="3.90625in" height="2.15625in"}

### Questions

1.  How do critical missing fields affect the completion of an abstract?

2.  What flexibility do Display Types offer?

3.  What program checks abstracts for errors?

4.  What takes effect immediately when the configuration is changed?

# Working with Abstracts

## Learning Objectives

Upon the completion of this chapter, you will be able to

-   Import abstracts into Abstract Plus.

-   Identify the areas in the Abstract Plus abstracting screen.

-   Create a new abstract.

-   Modify an abstract.

-   Copy an abstract.

-   Correct errors in an abstract.

-   Export abstracts.

-   Print a range of abstracts.

-   Use the Notepad Function (Utilities).

-   Use the Help to find out more information about fields.

-   Back up and restore abstracts.

-   Run reports.

## Overview

You can start working with abstracts by

-   Importing abstracts in NAACCR format from any system in an ASCII
    text file.

-   Creating a new abstract.

-   Copying an existing abstract and saving it as a new one.

An existing abstract can be modified and the changes saved. Abstracts in
an ASCII text file can also be exported in NAACCR format to any other
system.

## Importing an Abstract

You can import abstracts in NAACCR format from any system into Abstract
Plus if they are contained in an ASCII text file.

## Import and Open an Abstract Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Import abstracts.

-   Use the online Help for further information and assistance.

-   Open a selected abstract.

To import abstracts

1.  Click ![](media/image36.png) on the toolbar.

**Result**: The Import Abstracts in NAACCR Format window opens.

![](media/image37.png){width="5.874305555555556in"
height="3.8291666666666666in"}

32. Click **Select Import File**.

    **Result:** The system displays a Windows Explorer dialog box where
    you can select a file.

33. Navigate to AbsPlus\\Utilities\\v11data.DAT. Abstract Plus comes
    pre-loaded with this file.

    **Result:** The system populates the fields in the dialog box with
    the information in the selected file, such as the number of
    abstracts in the file and the NAACCR abstract type. Notice the
    Import Log button on this window. This button lets you see the
    history of the abstracts you have imported.

    ![](media/image38.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
    height="3.907638888888889in"}

34. Click ![](media/image11.png){width="0.2604166666666667in"
    height="0.21875in"} to display the Help for the window and learn
    more about the fields.

35. Click **Import**.

    **Result:** The system imports the abstracts and displays a
    confirmation message at the bottom of the window.

36. Click **Import Log**.

    **Result:** The system displays information about the data that has
    been imported, the name of the abstractor, number of abstracts, and
    file name.

    ![](media/image39.png){width="5.999305555555556in"
    height="1.9270833333333333in"}

37. Click **Close** to close the Import Log, and **Close** again to
    close the Import window.

38. Click ![](media/image21.png){width="0.23958333333333334in"
    height="0.25in"} on the toolbar.

    **Result:** The system displays the Search Abstract pop-up window
    with the Name field highlighted.

39. Press **Enter**.

    **Result:** The system displays all the available abstracts. Notice
    that you can sort all the abstracts by simply clicking on each
    heading. For example, you can sort the list by date diagnosed, sex,
    vital status (is patient dead or alive?), abstract number, etc.

    ![](media/image40.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
    height="4.107638888888889in"}

40. Click Atarms,Sargent,U and click **Select** to display and view this
    abstract.

    **Result:** The system displays an error message informing you that
    the abstract you are about to open contains errors.

41. Click **OK**.

    **Result:** The selected abstract opens in the Abstract Plus
    abstracting screen described in the next section. Notice that the
    Edits tab on the right displays the first error found in the
    abstract.

## The Abstract Plus Abstracting Screen

Abstract Plus is made up of three main areas: displayed fields, field
entry/selection area, and additional tab information. Within each of
these are several sections where specific information can be entered and
maintained. The table below lists the main areas in the abstracting
screen.

+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| Abstracting       |                       |                         |
| Screen            |                       |                         |
+===================+=======================+=========================+
| **Displayed       | **Field/Entry         | **Additional Tab        |
| Fields**          | Selections**          | Information**           |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| -   Abstract      | -   Current Value     | -   Text Fields         |
|     Sections      |                       |                         |
|                   | -   Select New Value  | -   Edits               |
| -   Display Type  |                       |                         |
|                   | -   Field Context     | -   Edit Info           |
| -   Configuration |     Help              |                         |
|     name          |                       | -   Projects            |
|                   |                       |                         |
| -   Field Title   |                       |                         |
|                   |                       |                         |
| -   Field Value   |                       |                         |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+

![](media/image41.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
height="4.354861111111111in"}

## Creating a New Abstract 

Use the New Abstract option under the File menu to create a new
abstract, or simply click ![](media/image20.png){width="0.25in"
height="0.20833333333333334in"} on the toolbar. The system automatically
assigns a number to new abstracts and increments the number by one as
new abstracts are created.

## Create Abstract Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Enter information for a new abstract.

-   Use the online Help for further information and assistance.

To create an abstract

1.  Click ![](media/image20.png){width="0.25in"
    height="0.20833333333333334in"} on the toolbar.

    **Result:** The system displays an abstract with blank fields.
    Notice that the abstract has been assigned a number, the first
    display field is highlighted, and a blinking cursor is present in
    the Current Value field.

![](media/image42.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
height="4.354861111111111in"}

42. Type **Jones** as the last name in the Current Value field.

    ![](media/image43.jpeg){width="3.0833333333333335in"
    height="1.0305555555555554in"}

43. Press **Enter**. Notice that you can also click **OK**.

    **Result:** Jones appears in the Field Value column next to the Last
    Name field. Notice that the next field is now highlighted and the
    Current Value field is selected for that field.

    ![](media/image44.png){width="4.125694444444444in"
    height="0.9784722222222222in"}

44. Type **Ellen** in the Current Value field and click **OK**.

    **Result:** Ellen appears in the Field Value column next to the
    First Name field. Notice that the Middle Name field is now
    highlighted and the Current Value field is blank again.

    ![](media/image45.png){width="3.9972222222222222in"
    height="1.09375in"}

45. Click the DXState field.

    **Result:** A list of states appears in the Select New Value field.

46. Start typing **Georgia**. Notice that the system displays the full
    name of the state in the Current Value field even before you finish
    typing. Press **Enter**.

    **Result:** The next field is now highlighted.

47. In the Abstract Sections drop-down list, select Patient
    Demographics.

    **Result:** All fields belonging to the Demographic section are
    highlighted, and the first field in the group is selected for entry.

48. With the BPCode field selected, type **USA** in the Select New Value
    field, and press **Enter**.

    **Result:** An error message appears, informing you that the value
    entered is not valid.

49. Click **OK** to close the error message pop-up. Notice that the
    error is also displayed in the fields in the Edit tab.

    ![](media/image46.jpeg){width="3.0in" height="2.067361111111111in"}

50. Click the Edit Info tab to view more information about the error.

51. Click ![](media/image47.png){width="0.3645833333333333in"
    height="0.2916666666666667in"} next to the Field Context Help.

    **Result:** The Help information for the specific field appears.

52. Close the Help page and select the BPCode field.

53. Press \[F4\] to view the valid values for the BPCode field.

54. Type **United States** in the Search field.

    **Result:** The system highlights United States in the list even
    before you finish typing.

    ![](media/image48.jpeg){width="2.6666666666666665in"
    height="1.3333333333333333in"}

55. Press **Enter** to select the highlighted item.

    **Result:** The system populates the Current Value field with 000,
    which is the code for United States, displays 000 in the BPCode
    field, and selects the next field.

56. Navigate to the PhysFup field.

57. Select the field and press \[F4\].

    **Result:** The system displays a query pop-up window for you to
    select a doctor.

58. Type **JO** in the Name field and click **Query**.

    **Result:** The system displays a list of doctors whose last names
    begin with "Jo."

59. Double-click on the doctor ID for James Jones to select that doctor.

    **Result:** The Query pop-up window closes, the doctors' ID appears
    in the Current Value field, and the system selects the next field.

### Questions

1.  What are the three ways that you can use to start working with
    abstracts?

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
60. What are the three main areas of Abstract Plus?

61. How does an ID get assigned to an abstract?

62. Which feature allows you to view valid values for a field?

##  Entering Information into Text Fields 

Text fields are used for entering additional information. The text
fields are divided into the DX, RX, and Misc. tabs.

## Entering Information into Text Fields Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Enter text into the DX, RX, and Misc. text fields.

-   Use the online Help for further information and assistance.

To enter text in text fields

1.  Select the Text Fields tab.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
63. Under the DX tab, select PE and type the following text in the
    Abstract Text box.

    **Abd DISTENDED.DULL TO PERCUSSION.MASS PALPATED IN UPPER ABD**

    **Result:** A progress bar under the Abstract Text area displays the
    percentage of space the text you just entered has used up.

64. Use the down arrow to navigate to Histology Title and type the
    following text in the Abstract Text box.

    **PAPILLARY ADENCA GR2**

    **Result:** The progress bar under the Abstract Text area displays
    50% and the system displays an asterisk (\*) beside PE to indicate
    that you have entered PE information.

65. Click the RX tab, select Chemo, and type the following text in the
    Abstract Text box.

    **12/17/96 THIOTEPA 8/16/97 CISPLAT, CTX**

    **Result:** An asterisk appears beside DX to indicate that text
    exists in some fields under the DX tab. The status bar under the
    Abstract Text area displays 19%.

66. Click the Misc. tab, select Remarks, and type the following text in
    the Abstract Text box.

    **PLACED ON SUPPRESSIVE TRX WITH SYNTHYROID TO SEE WHETHER THIS
    NODULE WOULD REGRESS**

    **Result:** An asterisk appears beside RX to indicate that text
    exists in some fields under the RX tab. The status bar under the
    Abstract Text area displays 23%.

## Correcting Errors

For a new abstract, you can view the errors for an incorrect field
entry, when you save the abstract, or when you click the **EDITS**
button.

## Correct Errors Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Display errors in the abstract.

-   Correct errors in the abstract.

To view and correct the errors in the abstract

1.  Click ![](media/image49.png){width="0.4479166666666667in"
    height="0.23958333333333334in"} on the Abstract Plus tool bar.

    **Result**: A pop-up window informs you that the abstract has
    errors.

    ![](media/image50.png){width="3.3645833333333335in"
    height="1.2395833333333333in"}

2.  Click **OK** to close the pop-up window and automatically display
    the Edits tab.

    **Result:** An error is already selected in the Edits tab, in this
    case DX-City. Notice that the number of critical missing fields in
    the abstract is also displayed.

    ![](media/image51.png){width="5.998611111111111in"
    height="3.33125in"}

3.  Click the Edit Info tab and view the description for the error. In
    this case, there is no description available.

4.  Click **Edit Description button** on the Edits tab to view the
    description for the error. In this case, there is no description
    available.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   The information in the Edit Info tab is the same information
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             displayed when you click **Edit Description**. Viewing the
                                             error information using the Edit Description button lets you
                                             remain on the Edits tab and at the same time see the
                                             description of the error.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

5.  With the first error still selected, type **Atlanta** in the Current
    Value field and press **Enter**.

    **Result:** Atlanta now appears in the DX-City field and the next
    entry field is highlighted.

6.  Click ![](media/image49.png){width="0.4479166666666667in"
    height="0.23958333333333334in"} on the Abstract Plus tool bar.

    **Result:** The corrected error field no longer appears on the list,
    another error is highlighted. Notice that the number of errors has
    decreased by one.

## Saving an Abstract 

You can save your abstract at any time, even with critical fields
missing information. However; the system will not mark such abstracts as
complete. You can return at a later time to correct the errors and
complete the abstract.

## Save Abstract Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Accept the errors in the project, if any.

-   Save the abstract.

To save an abstract

1.  Click ![](media/image24.png){width="0.2708333333333333in"
    height="0.23958333333333334in"} on the toolbar.

> **Result:** The system displays the following error message informing
> you that errors are present in the abstract.
>
> ![](media/image52.jpeg){width="3.5in" height="1.5729166666666667in"}

2.  Click **Yes, Save** to save the abstract.

### Questions

1.  How do you know how much data a text field can take?

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
67. How do you know that an abstract contains errors?

68. Which tab do you use to correct errors in an abstract?

69. How do you know how many errors exist in an abstract?

70. Can you save an abstract that has errors?

##  Assigning an Abstract to a Project 

An abstract must be assigned to a project. If only one project exists in
Abstract Plus, the system automatically assigns the abstract to the sole
project. However, if several projects exist, the system prompts you to
assign the abstract to a project when you are in the process of saving
the abstract. You can assign an abstract to a project as described in
this section.

## Assign Project Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Select a project and assign the abstract to the project.

To assign an abstract to a project

1.  Select the Projects tab.

> **Result: A** list of projects to which you can assign the abstract
> appears.

2.  Select State in the Select a Project list box.

3.  Select Close Abstract.

4.  Click **Yes, Save** to save the abstract and return to the main
    menu.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   You can also use this tab to see if the abstract is complete and
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       indicate if the abstract should be held by the abstractor,
                                                       meaning that the abstract will not be available for export.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

## Modifying an Abstract 

You can make changes to an abstract in Abstract Plus by simply opening
the abstract and updating and saving the abstract.

## Modify Abstract Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Open a saved abstract.

-   Modify the fields in the abstract.

-   Save the abstract.

To modify an abstract

1.  Click ![](media/image21.png){width="0.23958333333333334in"
    height="0.25in"} on the toolbar.

> **Result:** A Search Abstract pop-up window opens.

2.  Type **JO** in the Name field and click **Query**.

> **Result:** Ellen Jones appears in the list of results.
>
> ![](media/image53.png){width="4.614583333333333in"
> height="3.1569444444444446in"}

3.  Select Jones, Ellen and click **Select**.

> **Result:** The system displays an error message informing you that
> the abstract contains errors.

4.  Click **OK**.

> **Result:** The selected abstract appears.
>
> ![](media/image54.png){width="4.801388888888889in"
> height="2.988888888888889in"}

5.  Click the FirstName field and click **Erase Current Value**.

> **Result:** The system removes Ellen from the Current Value field.

6.  Type **Helen** in the Current Value field, and click **OK**.

7.  Click the DXCounty field, type **Cobb** in the Current Value field
    and click **OK**.

8.  Close and save the abstract and follow the prompts.

## Copying an Abstract 

If you find an abstract that looks very much like an abstract you want
to create, for example, the same patient but with a different diagnosis,
you can simply save the abstract as a new one, and then modify the
necessary fields in the new abstract.

## Copy Abstract Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Open a saved abstract.

-   Copy the abstract.

-   Modify the abstract.

To copy an abstract

1.  Search for Sargent Atarms' abstract and open the abstract.

2.  From the File menu, select Copy Abstract.

> **Result:** A pop-up window opens and displays the old abstract number
> and the number assigned to the new abstract.
>
> ![](media/image55.png){width="3.34375in"
> height="1.2395833333333333in"}

3.  Click **OK**.

> **Result:** The new abstract takes the place of the old abstract.
>
> ![](media/image56.png){width="4.666666666666667in" height="2.625in"}

4.  Click the LastName field, type Williams in the Current Value field,
    click **OK**.

5.  Click the FirstName field, type Jack in the Current Value field and
    click **OK**.

6.  Close and save the abstract.

### Questions

1.  Can an abstract exist without being attached to a project?

2.  How can you locate a saved abstract?

3.  Can you change the information contained in an existing abstract?

4.  How can you create an abstract using the information from an old
    one?

##  Exporting Abstracts 

When exporting abstracts, you can choose to export all abstracts,
including complete and incomplete abstracts, or enter parameters for
selecting the completed abstracts for export. The system can be set up
to make the feature for including complete or incomplete abstracts
during export a function that must be set up only by the administrator.
The option Mark Exported Abstracts as Off-Loaded is selected by default
and should not be changed except for special reasons. Export Only
Un-Exported Abstracts To Date is also selected by default.

You can export abstracts in NAACCR Layout or Delimited format, depending
on options made available by the administrator. The Delimited format
allows you to select which fields you want exported and their order in a
pipe delimited text file.

Refer to Exporting Abstracts Help for detailed explanation of export
selection options.

## Export Abstract Practice Activities

**Purpose**

-   Export all abstracts.

-   Enter parameters for exporting abstracts.

-   Export selected abstracts.

    To export all the abstracts in the database

1.  Click ![](media/image57.png) on the toolbar.

    **Result:** The Export Abstracts window opens.

    ![](media/image58.png){width="5.626388888888889in"
    height="4.795138888888889in"}

2.  Select the Export All Abstracts in Database check box.

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image9.png){width="0.5833333333333334in"   The Export All Abstracts in Database function may only be
  height="0.40625in"}                                  available to administrators.

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------

3.  De-select the Mark Exported Abstracts As Off-Loaded check box. This
    ensures that the abstracts you are about to export are not flagged
    or marked as exported.

4.  Click **Select**.

    **Result:** The system indicates the number of abstracts that meet
    the criteria at the bottom of the window.

5.  Click **Preview**.

    **Result:** The Export Selection Preview window appears

    ![](media/image59.png){width="5.992361111111111in"
    height="4.1722222222222225in"}

6.  Click **OK**.

    **Result:** A windows dialog box appears.

> ![](media/image60.png){width="5.863888888888889in"
> height="3.5840277777777776in"}

7.  Type **firstexport** in the File Name field and click **Save**.

    **Result:** The system saves the abstracts into a text file and lets
    you preview a report that you can print.

    ![](media/image61.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
    height="4.354861111111111in"}

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   You can click ![](media/image62.png){width="0.25in"
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             height="0.2604166666666667in"} at the top right of the screen
                                             to open a dialog box and print the report. You can click
                                             ![](media/image63.png){width="0.2604166666666667in"
                                             height="0.23958333333333334in"} to print the contents of the
                                             report to a file, such as .htm or .txt. To enlarge or decrease
                                             the size of the file, select the percentage of enlargement from
                                             the Zoom drop-down list. To navigate from one page of the
                                             report to another, use the arrows at the bottom left-hand side
                                             of the screen.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

8.  Close the report preview and return to the Export Abstracts window.

9.  Click **Export Log** to view the log of exported abstracts.

    **Result:** The Export Log window opens. Notice that you can enter a
    date range or enter Select Case ID, and click **Select** to view
    exports that contain the specified values.

10. Click **Show All Exports** to view all exports in log.

    ![](media/image64.png){width="5.99375in"
    height="3.397222222222222in"}

11. Click **Close** to return to the Export Abstracts window and
    **Close** to return to the main menu.

    To export only selected abstracts

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
1.  Click ![](media/image65.png) on the toolbar.

    **Result:** The Export Abstracts window opens.

    ![](media/image58.png){width="5.626388888888889in"
    height="4.795138888888889in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   The Export Only Un-Exported Abstracts To Date check box is
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       selected. This ensures that exported abstracts are not
                                                       duplicated.

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

2.  Select the Export by Date Created (Entered) check box.

3.  In the From field type **10/01/2005**, and in the To field, type
    **10/30/2005**. This ensures that only the abstracts created within
    the entered dates will be exported. The Mark Exported Abstracts As
    Off-Loaded check box is selected. This ensures that the abstracts
    you are about to export are flagged.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   You can also select abstracts by the date previously exported,
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             date diagnosed, hospital ID, project ID, abstractor ID, and
                                             abstract ID.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

4.  Click **Select**.

    **Result:** The system indicates that no abstracts meet the
    criteria, at the bottom of the window.

5.  Close the Export Abstracts window.

## Printing a Range of Abstracts

You can select one or more abstracts from your local database and print
them. You can even choose to print the abstracts to a text file instead
of sending them directly to a printer.

## Print Range of Abstracts Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Enter the criteria for selecting abstracts.

-   Print the abstracts to file.

    To print a range of abstracts

1.  Click the File option on the Abstract Plus menu and select Print
    Range of Abstracts\...

    **Result:** The Print Abstracts window opens.

    ![](media/image66.png){width="5.614583333333333in"
    height="4.822916666666667in"}

2.  Select the All Abstracts in Database check box.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   You may select or de-select any number of criteria options by
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             clicking on them if the All Abstracts in Database check box is
                                             not selected. If the last selected option cannot be logically
                                             combined with certain previously selected options, the system
                                             automatically de-selects the earlier options.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

3.  Click **Select**.

    **Result:** The system displays the number of abstracts that meet
    the selected criteria at the bottom of the window.

4.  Click **Generate Text File**.

    **Result:** The system generates a text file containing all the
    abstracts selected. The location of the file, prtfile.txt, is
    indicated at the bottom of the window above the number of abstracts.

> ![](media/image67.png){width="5.614583333333333in"
> height="4.822916666666667in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image9.png){width="0.5833333333333334in"   Be sure to take note of the location of this file. You will
  height="0.40625in"}                                  need this information in the next activity.

  ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------

5.  Close the criteria selection window.

## Using the Notepad Function (Utilities) 

The Notepad program is integrated into Abstract Plus under the Utilities
menu. Notepad allows you to view the contents of a file using the
Notepad program without having to navigate away from Abstract Plus.

## Notepad Function Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Access a previously saved text file containing abstracts.

-   Open the text file using the Notepad function in Abstract Plus.

    To view the abstracts in a text file

1.  Click the Utilities option from the Abstract Plus menu and select
    Notepad.

    **Result:** The Notepad program opens.

2.  Click File on the Notepad menu and select Open.

    **Result:** A windows dialog box opens.

3.  Navigate to the folder into which the system saved prtfile.txt, the
    file you created in the Print Range of Abstracts practice activity.

    ![](media/image68.png){width="5.864583333333333in"
    height="3.6145833333333335in"}

4.  Open the text file.

    **Result:** The selected file opens in Notepad.

    ![](media/image69.png){width="6.0in" height="4.116666666666666in"}

5.  View the contents of the file and close Notepad.

## Restoring Data 

The Restore function in Abstract Plus is extremely useful when something
goes wrong with your data. Rather than having to start from scratch, you
can go back to a file that you saved with the same Abstract Plus version
on a date when you encountered no problems. This is one reason why it is
recommended that you back up your work when shutting down the system.

## Restoring Data Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Access a previously saved backup file.

-   Replace the current data with the backup file.

    To restore data

1.  On the Abstract Plus menu, click File and select Restore...

> **Result:** The Restore AbstractPlus Database window opens.
>
> ![](media/image70.png){width="3.8854166666666665in"
> height="1.96875in"}

2.  Click **Browse**.

> **Result:** A window that you can use to navigate to the backup file
> opens.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image15.png){width="0.40625in"   You can also type the path to the backup file that you want to
  height="0.5833333333333334in"}             use for the restore.

  ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------

3.  Navigate to and select absplus.zip. This is the same file that you
    saved the first time you logged off the system at the beginning of
    this training session.

> ![](media/image71.png){width="5.864583333333333in"
> height="3.5833333333333335in"}

4.  Click **Open**.

> **Result:** The system closes the window and redisplays the Restore
> AbstractPlus Database window. Notice that the path to the restore file
> now appears in the text box.
>
> ![](media/image72.png){width="3.8854166666666665in"
> height="1.96875in"}

5.  Click **Restore**.

> **Result:** A confirmation window appears.
>
> ![](media/image73.png){width="2.4270833333333335in"
> height="1.0416666666666667in"}

6.  Click **OK** to close the window. Restored database must be in the
    same NAACCR layout as the current one or an error message will
    appear.

### Questions

1.  How can you avoid exporting duplicate abstracts?

2.  How can you see all the abstracts you exported?

3.  How can you print multiple abstracts at the same time?

4.  What is the main benefit of the Notepad integration feature?

5.  How do you recover data in Abstract Plus if for any reason your data
    becomes corrupted?

##  Running Reports 

Abstract Plus contains several reports that you can run to view data.
The available reports are described in the table below.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Report               Description
  -------------------- --------------------------------------------------
  Accession Register   Displays all the abstracts in the database sorted
                       by reporting hospital and accession number.

  Patient Index        Displays all the abstracts in the database sorted
                       by name.

  Selected Cases       Displays only the specific cases you selected as
                       criteria.

  Status Report (Count Displays the total number of complete and
  of Cases) Summary... incomplete records, cross tabulated by the number
                       of records exported and unexported.

  Completion Status of Displays a detailed report breaking down the
  Abstracts by month   complete and incomplete status of abstracts by
                       year and month of Date of Adm/1st Contact. This
                       report can be used to monitor work activity and to
                       identify the oldest incomplete cases for priority
                       attention.
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![]( | To run custom reports, you can use MS Access querying and     |
| medi | reporting from the database outside of Abstract Plus.         |
| a/im |                                                               |
| age1 | For each report, you can click                                |
| 5.pn | ![](media/image62.png){width="0.25in"                         |
| g){w | height="0.2604166666666667in"} at the top right of the report |
| idth | to open a dialog box and print the report or click            |
| ="0. | ![](media/image63.png){width="0.2604166666666667in"           |
| 4062 | height="0.23958333333333334in"} to print the contents of the  |
| 5in" | report to a file, such as .htm or .txt. To enlarge or         |
| he   | decrease the size of the report, select the percentage of     |
| ight | enlargement from the Zoom drop-down list. To navigate from    |
| ="0. | one page of the report to another, use the arrows at the      |
| 5833 | bottom left-hand side of the report.                          |
| 3333 |                                                               |
| 3333 |                                                               |
| 3334 |                                                               |
| in"} |                                                               |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------------+

## Running Reports Practice Activity

**Purpose**

-   Run each report in Abstract Plus.

-   View the contents of each report.

### Accession Register Report

To run the Accession Register report

1.  Click Reports on the Abstract Plus menu and select Accession
    Register.

    **Result:** The Accession Register report opens. Notice that the
    accession numbers are displayed in ascending order and grouped by
    the reporting hospital. Abstracts with no accession numbers are
    displayed at the top of the report.

    ![](media/image74.png){width="5.992361111111111in"
    height="2.136111111111111in"}

2.  Close the report.

### Patient Index Report

To run the Patient Index report

1.  Click Reports on the Abstract Plus menu and select Patient Index.

    **Result:** The Patient Index report opens. Notice that the
    abstracts are displayed in alphabetic order by the name.

    ![](media/image75.png){width="5.99375in"
    height="2.3131944444444446in"}

2.  Close the report.

### Selected Cases Report

To run the Selected Cases report

1.  Click Reports on the Abstract Plus menu and select Selected Cases.

    **Result:** The system displays a window to enter report criteria.

    ![](media/image76.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
    height="4.122916666666667in"}

2.  In the Abstract ID field, type **1** in the first text box and **5**
    in the second text box to display abstracts with IDs that fall into
    the specified range and click **Query.**

    **Result:** The system displays the cases that meet the entered
    criteria in the space below the fields.

> ![](media/image77.png){width="5.993055555555555in"
> height="4.122916666666667in"}

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="0.3229166666666667in"   You can choose to display all available abstracts by simply
  height="0.4479166666666667in"}                       pressing **Enter** when the cursor is in the Name field. You can
                                                       enter report criteria such as the medical record number, social
                                                       security number, etc. You can also choose to display complete,
                                                       incomplete, or all abstracts (complete and incomplete).

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

3.  Click **Run Report**.

    **Result:** The report opens in print preview mode. Notice that it
    displays only the cases that fall within the specified range. The
    system also records and displays the SQL statement used to create
    the report at the top of the report.

    ![](media/image78.png){width="6.0in" height="3.734722222222222in"}

4.  Close the report print preview and the criteria selection windows.

### Status Report (Count of cases) Summary

To run the Status Report (Count of cases) Summary report

1.  Click Reports on the Abstract Plus menu and select Status Report
    (Count of cases) Summary...

    **Result:** The system displays a window where you enter criteria
    for displaying the report.

    ![](media/image79.png){width="3.9166666666666665in"
    height="2.1979166666666665in"}

2.  Select the Select All Cases in Database check box to select and
    include all cases in the report.

    **Result:** The report opens and displays the summary information
    for the abstracts.

    ![](media/image80.png){width="6.0in" height="4.741666666666666in"}

3.  Close the report and the criteria selection window.

### Completion of Abstracts by Month

To run the Completion of Abstracts by Month report

1.  Click Reports on the Abstract Plus menu and select Completion of
    Abstracts by Month.

    **Result:** The system displays a window where you enter criteria
    for displaying the report.

    ![](media/image81.png){width="3.9166666666666665in"
    height="2.1979166666666665in"}

2.  Select the Select All Cases in Database check box to select and
    include all cases in the report.

    **Result:** The report opens and displays the number of complete and
    incomplete abstracts.

    ![](media/image82.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
    height="3.3715277777777777in"}

3.  Close the report and the criteria selection window.

### Questions

1.  How can you list only the incomplete abstracts from a certain
    hospital?

2.  How can you create custom reports?

# Appendix: Answers {#appendix-answers .unnumbered}

**Chapter 1**

Here are the answers to the questions on page [16](#questions) about the
basics of Abstract Plus.

1.  Yes, you can log into Abstract Plus without creating a user ID and
    password. You can log in as a guest.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
71. Creating and using your own user ID and password automatically
    identifies which abstracts you create.

72. No, you do not have to log into Abstract Plus to use the online
    Help. You can access the online Help from the login window.

73. When logging off Abstract Plus, use the backup option to save your
    work to a secure location.

**Chapter 2**

Here are the answers to the questions on page [25](#questions-1) about
setting up and configuring Abstract Plus.

1.  Fields identified as critical must be completed before the abstract
    can be saved and marked as completed.

2.  Display Types allow the administrator to set up the system to
    display only certain fields.

3.  EDITS checks the abstracts for errors and can include local
    customized corrections.

4.  The display type (fields displayed), edit set used for error
    correction, and collaborative staging calculation choices take
    effect immediately when the configuration is changed.

**Chapter 3**

Here are the answers to the questions on page [37](#questions-2) about
importing and creating an abstract.

1.  You can start working with abstracts by importing, creating, or
    copying abstracts.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
74. The three main areas of Abstract Plus are Field Entry/Selections,
    Displayed Fields, and Additional Tab Information.

75. The system automatically assigns IDs to abstracts.

76. When valid values are available for a list, \[F4\] displays a pick
    list and allows you to view the valid values for the field.

Here are the answers to the questions on page [42](#questions-3) about
entering information into text fields, correcting errors, and saving an
abstract.

1.  The percentage of use is displayed at the bottom of the Abstract
    Text area as you type.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
77. When you save the abstract or click the EDITS button on the tool
    bar, the errors are displayed in the Edits tab.

78. The Edits tab displays the errors in the abstract and allows you to
    navigate to the fields needing correction.

79. The error count is displayed on the Edits tab and also in the bottom
    left-hand panel of the screen when you run Edits.

80. Yes, you can save an abstract that has errors. The abstract is
    marked as incomplete.

Here are the answers to the questions on page [48](#questions-4) about
assigning abstracts to a project, modifying an abstract, and copying an
abstract.

1.  No, the system will not save an abstract that is not attached to a
    project. However, If only one project exists, the system will choose
    it by default and attach the abstract to the sole project.

2.  Locate a saved abstract by selecting the Open/Find Abstract option
    under the File menu or clicking the Open/Find Abstract button on the
    tool bar.

3.  Yes, you can change the information contained in an existing
    abstract. Access the abstract, update the information, and click the
    Save button on the tool bar.

4.  Use the Copy Abstract option under the File menu to copy the
    abstract, and then edit the fields as needed.

Here are the answers to the questions on page [63](#questions-5) about
exporting an abstract, printing a range of abstracts, using the Notepad
feature, and restoring data.

1.  Select the following check boxes in the Export Abstracts window:

    -   Mark abstracts as offloaded

    -   Export only un-exported Abstracts to date

2.  Click the Export Log button on the Export Abstracts window for a
    detailed export history.

3.  Select Print Range of Abstracts from the File menu.

4.  The integrated Notepad feature gives you the ability to view the
    contents of a file without leaving Abstract Plus.

5.  Select the Restore option under the File menu and use a backup file
    created with the same Abstract Plus version.

Here are the answers to the questions on page [73](#questions-6) about
running reports.

1.  Run the Selected Cases report.

2.  Use MS Access querying and reporting from the database outside of
    Abstract Plus.