to identify, design and pilot the use of synoptic forms and the implementation of protocols that will reduce report variability and promote consistency and reliability of pathology reporting in colorectal cancer
the IPREP team will consult with pathologists, surgeons and oncologists to promote communication, collaboration and dissemination of knowledge regarding best practice guidelines and evidence-based reporting.
These aims and objectives were achieved by this project.
Outcomes
The synoptic surgical request form and synoptic surgical request report were designed for the reporting of colorectal cancer cases along with a set of accompanying guidelines.
These documents were distributed in their current form to all individual pathologists and pathology laboratories which serviced the South Eastern and Illawarra Area Health Service (SEIAHS). They were distributed via face-to-face meetings with a contact pathologist in each laboratory.
Additional electronic copies of the documents were circulated via email and could be downloaded from the Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium (CCRC) website.
The documents were also distributed to oncologists and surgeons through attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings at each hospital.
A review of pathology reports from each pathology laboratory within the SEIAHS was conducted at three different time points to validate the practical use of the synoptic documents and guidelines.
National consensus and expert opinion was to be sought for the colorectal synoptic reports and guidelines.
Colorectal working party meetings were conducted on:
24 October 2008 in a face-to-face forum
18 December 2008 via teleconference
12 February 2009 via teleconference.
This working party included medical specialists from the fields of pathology, surgery and oncology, as well as the project managers of the IPREP and Cancer Institute NSW (CINSW) Structured Pathology Reporting Standards for Cancer (2009)project.
The IPREP project manager attended bi-monthly working party meetings with the CINSW project manager and representatives from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and Cancer Australia to finalise the guidelines for ratification from both of these bodies, and for submission of the guidelines for approval from the National E-Health Transition Authority (NeHTA).
Follow on Initiatives and Projects
Structured Pathology Reporting Standards for Cancer (2009).
Structured Pathology Reporting Standards for Cancer (2009)
Description
This project sought to lead the development of an agreed method and structure for developing, disseminating and maintaining guidelines for structured pathology reporting of cancer.
to lead the development of an agreed method and structure for developing, disseminating and maintaining guidelines for structured pathology reporting of cancer.
This aim was achieved by this project.
Outcomes
The six protocols developed were: melanoma, prostate (radical prostatectomy), lung, colorectal and lymphoma based on the Framework documents. The National Breast and Ovarian Consortium (NBOCC) agreed to reformat their guidelines to the developed framework.
Work was also in progress to develop Health Level Seven (HL7) messaging standards and archetypes in conjunction with the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA)
A key part of this project was developing the Framework for Developing Protocols which was then used to develop six cancer specific protocols.
Feedback from public consultation on five of the six protocols highlighted a number of points on the general structure and approach of the protocols which enabled the Framework committee to revise the documents. This will assist developers of future protocols.
Follow on Initiatives and Projects
Promoting and Expanding Structured Pathology Reporting of Cancer (Stage 2) (Current).
Promoting and Expanding Structured Pathology Reporting of Cancer (Stage 2) (Current)
Description
This project is seeking to promote and expand the use of structured reporting of cancer. The final report is due on 16 June 2012.
Grant Recipient
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
Aims and Objectives
to undertake a national program of education on the previously developed cancer protocols (breast, melanoma, lung, lymphoma, colorectal and prostate)
to develop further protocols in conjunction with international bodies
to undertake a literature review of pathology cancer reports to provide information on best practice reporting formats that enhance their understanding and readability with the aim of contributing to improved patient care and safety
to share the findings of the literature review to provide advice and feedback and participate as a member of the Collaborative Management Group and as a partner with the University of Melbourne and Dianella Community Health on the project Effective Communication of Pathology Results in Requesting Practitioners and Consumers (Current) on page125
to work collaboratively with Professor Jon Patrick at the University of Sydney to develop a model to automatically review protocol content and develop a baseline for the structured reporting of colorectal cancer.
This project is current and the aims and objectives are in the process of being achieved.
Outcomes
The project’s aims and objectives are being achieved in the following stages:
Establish governance for the project.
Establish ongoing maintenance and update protocols including publication and media release.
Develop additional protocols and a format for reporting structured information. In addition, work with other organisations to enable the use of the protocols.
Develop additional protocols available for other common cancers in collaboration with international organisations.
Report on updating and publication of protocols and commence a literature review of pathology cancer reports.
Audit of colorectal structured reporting in association with the Clinical Language Processor Engine project.
Completion of the project and provision of a Final Report.
Areas for Future Consideration
Possible development of a standardised reporting format for all major cancers and other major complex reporting topics.
