Policy Statements

The National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) recognizes the potential of health technology and envisions cancer registrars embracing data automation in the evolving landscape of cancer data collection. NCRA also recognizes the current pursuit of data interoperability with national efforts to improve health care with health information technology and health information exchange.

NCRA affirms that technological strides, especially automated abstraction through Electronic Health Record (EHR) software, must adhere to the strongest fidelity and predictability standards to be integrated into cancer registry software. As data curators, cancer registrars must embrace their evolving roles, from contributing as subject matter experts (SMEs) in EHR builds, to managing structured data. NCRA underscores the pivotal role of continuous education, which enables registrars to oversee data identification, data capture, and data management effectively. The profession's commitment to excellence serves as a benchmark for assessing new technologies and ensuring that health information advancements align with the accuracy and reliability integral to cancer data collection.

NCRA encourages cancer registry professionals to embrace new processes and technology, specifically as SMEs, due to their pivotal role in defining rules and standards for data variables and ensuring the accurate curation of imported data. NCRA emphasizes the need for continuous education within the profession, to equip registrars with the knowledge and skills required to oversee and manage the data collected from structured data sources that supports the efficient delivery and exchange of health information.

Advocating for the careful integration of technology in cancer registry operations, NCRA asserts that any technological advancement, not exclusive to automated abstraction, must adhere to stringent standards of fidelity, which supports data accuracy and predictability, and safeguards its reliability. NCRA seeks to ensure that any technological innovation aligns with the profession's dedication to data accuracy, reliability, and the enduring legacy of quality cancer data collection for the betterment of patient care, outcomes, and research.

NCRA looks forward to navigating this transformative journey through education, advocacy, and partnership with its members.