The tumor registry may also be used to track patients, assuring that follow-up treatments and examinations are performed on schedule, and that overall continuity of care is preserved. Maintaining a tumor registry is a labor intensive task, even when modern computers are used to input, aggregate, and analyze data, and comprises the main cost of ACOS approval. Establishing an effective tumor registry is usually the main stumbling block to implementing an approved cancer program. The Rhode Island Department of Health, in close collaboration with HARI's CIS, also supports hospital tumor registries through a statewide cancer registry established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1985. Physician Support Physician support is key to the existence of voluntary ACOS approved cancer programs.
Programs begin with physician concern for the quality of cancer therapy.
Physician advocacy drives program development and maintenance. Physicians specializing in cancer therapy form the nucleus of the cancer committee. Their belief in a multidisciplinary approach to cancer therapy is essential to the success of multidisciplinary cancer conferences. Physicians from all disciplines are asked to report periodic information on patient status to the tumor registry. Physicians in Rhode Island are urged to support the development and maintenance of approved cancer programs at their hospitals.