What is RQRS?
A web-based data-collection and reporting system to promote and facilitate evidence-based cancer care at Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited cancer programs. At this time, participation is voluntary and may allow a program the opportunity to earn commendation for Standard 5.2. RQRS serves to assess compliance with National Quality Forum-endorsed accountability performance measures and quality improvement measures in real clinical time.
How Does RQRS Work?
CoC-accredited programs must meet eligibility requirements to officially enroll through CoC datalinks, requiring the approval of the Cancer Program Administrator, Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP), Cancer Committee Chair and the Cancer Registrar. RQRS reportable cases must be submitted at least quarterly (monthly is recommended) to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) without the addition of capital investment. Reports are then fed back to the participating programs and case records can be modified or updated via resubmission. Alerts and case listing features of RQRS assist in the management and facilitation of necessary updates.
What Does RQRS Do For Patient Care?
Cancer programs participating in RQRS receive real clinical time alerts for individual cases in which pending adjuvant treatment has not been reported to the system. These alerts have been developed to provide a warning system for cancer programs to prevent patients from “slipping through the cracks.”
Business/HIPAA Concerns?
Should be considered non-existent. Implementation of RQRS is consistent with and honors the agreed terms outlined in the Business Associate Agreement between the CoC-accredited program and the American College of Surgeons regarding use of data submitted to the CoC.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about RQRS, contact Registry Partners today!