Improving Discrete Data Capture in Synoptic Reports With Optional Free-Text Modifiers
Andrew A. Renshaw, Edwin W. Gould · JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics · 2018
PURPOSE: Upfront, discrete data capture in synoptic reporting fails when pathologists choose a response not associated with discrete data. We sought to determine the factors associated with this event. METHODS: The results of all "Other" entries in four common tumor sites in synoptic reports were reviewed. RESULTS: "Other" entries occurred in 329 of 13,421 questions (2.5%). In 306 of these 329 questions (93.0%), the pathologist appeared to choose this response because they wished to add additional information to an already existing response that was associated with discrete data capture. As a result, the addition of a free-text modifiers to existing responses would allow pathologist to add this additional information while still selecting a response associated with discrete data capture, significantly improving the total discrete data capture (13,092 of 13,421 questions [97.5%] v 13,398 of 13,421 questions [99.8%]; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The addition of free-text modifiers to structured responses in synoptic reports could significantly improve the discrete data capture rate.