CRGC News Broadcast NB-2020-012
October 7, 2020
2020 Field Testing

The NAACCR Mid-Level Tactical Group (MLTG), which includes representations from all standard setters (CoC, NAACCR, NCRA, NPCR, and SEER/IMS) now requires that field testing be done for proposed new data items, or major changes, before implementation in the registry field. This process will help standard setters to evaluate the feasibility of collecting new data items and clarify codes and coding instructions before implementation. The MLTG strongly encourages participation in this effort, which we believe will facilitate better communication with the registrars in the field and provide critical information to the groups working on these data items.
 
The Field Test will be implemented using the same software used for the SEER Reliability Studies, with some modifications. Participation in the Field Test will not be required by any of the standard setters, but is strongly encouraged. This is your chance to comment on data items prior to implementation.
 
There is one new SSDI that is being proposed for implementation in 2022:
 
     Cervix Uteri: p16

There are also several SSDIs that are being tested due to changes and clarifications implemented for the 2021 update:
 
Breast: ER Summary/PR Summary/HER2 Overall Summary
Colon and Rectum: Circumferential Resection Margin
Lung: Visceral Pleural Invasion
Ovary: Residual Tumor Volume Post Cytoreduction
Plasma Cell Myeloma (Multiple Myeloma): High Risk Cytogenetics reports
Prostate: Number Cores Positive/Examined

In addition, there will be 20 short Grade scenarios to code.
 
Each of these SSDIs and Grade have clinical significance for their cancers. The field testing will provide information to the NAACCR SSDI workgroup for
  • Clarification of codes and coding instructions
  • Needed revisions and/or modifications
  • How often the information is available
  • Feasibility of implementing the new SSDI
 
For all data items in the study, participants will be provided the preferred answer and rationale after each question, along with an opportunity to comment on the preferred answer and rationale. In addition, there will be questions regarding the Field Test process and recommendations for future improvements.
 
Continuing Educate (CE) credits will be available.
 
The field testing will take place from 5 a.m. Pacific, November 1, 2020 to 9:00 p.m. Pacific, December 15, 2020. Participants must have access to the SEER reliability studies site (https://reliability.seer.cancer.gov) during this period.
  • Registration for Field Testing will open on October 15, 2020

Note that since the objectives of this field testing are to determine how well the new data items are understood, individual results will remain confidential and not released. Results will be de-identified before analysis.
 
All participants will be using the SEER Reliability software. If you have participated in a previous reliability study (2014 or later), use your same login. If you have not participated in a previous reliability study, you will need to create an account. To create a new account please follow the Create an Account link on the sign-in page (https://reliability.seer.cancer.gov).
 
Please email reliability@imsweb.com for technical questions and Jennifer Ruhl (ruhlj@mail.nih.gov), co-chair of the SSDI work group, for related questions.
If you have questions or concerns regarding any of the content of this CRGC News Broadcast please contact me.

Mignon Dryden, CTR
Director, E-Reporting
Cancer Registry of Greater California