Guideline 67: Management of Colorectal Cancer - Supporting material

National Audit of Colorectal Cancer

Revisions to Data Set

A new SIGN guideline for colorectal cancer was published in March 2003. This guideline includes new recommendations that cannot be audited by the existing national data set. As part of the guideline development process the data set used in ongoing audit, based on the data set included in SIGN guideline No 16 and subsequent revisions to address some of the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) standards, was reviewed by a multidisciplinary group composed of representatives of SIGN, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Cancer Intelligence Unit (SCIU) (now the Epidemiology and Statistics Group, ISD). The aim of this exercise was to include all national information requirements - ie to audit SIGN recommendations, measure waiting times and clinical standards, core cancer registration data items - in a single data set, thereby eliminating duplication of data collection and inconsistencies between different reporting systems.

The draft data set produced by the group was circulated for comment via the three regional cancer networks and feedback incorporated. The agreed data set is published on ISD website (http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/Colorectal_definitions_%20for_website.doc).

National Data Definitions and Implementation of the Revised Data Set

To facilitate consistent implementation of the current data set ISD developed in collaboration with clinicians treating patients with colorectal cancer national data definitions to accompany the data set. These data definitions are published on ISD's website (http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/Colorectal_definitions_%20for_website.doc). Any queries regarding national audit of colorectal cancer, data sets and definitions should be forwarded to Kathy Clarke, Cancer Information Coordinator, Epidemiology and Statistics, ISD (kathy.clarke@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk).

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
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