By Daniel Casciato
In the world of healthcare, where lives hang in the balance, information is power. October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of data collection and tracking in the battle against cancer.
To shed light on this crucial aspect of healthcare, we spoke with Betsy Johnson, the Founder and CEO of HIMpros, a woman-owned niche healthcare staffing firm based in West Florida. HIMpros plays a pivotal role in supporting cancer registries, which are instrumental in the battle against cancer.
The Role of Cancer Registries in Healthcare
Cancer registries are the unsung heroes of modern medicine. They capture and maintain a comprehensive record of each cancer patient’s journey, from diagnosis to their final moments. This data forms the bedrock upon which healthcare professionals build their understanding of cancer. It aids in planning and evaluating cancer control programs, resource allocation, promoting research, and providing critical information on cancer incidence.
Johnson emphasizes, “The data collected ensures that patients receive care based on the most recent findings, for example, which therapy works best for patients with similar characteristics.” Registrars’ tireless work leads to collecting comprehensive information used to manage cancer and, ultimately, find cures.”
HIMpros: Bridging the Gap
In a field as critical as cancer registry, the shortage of skilled professionals can be crippling. Cancer registries, when understaffed, fall behind in data collection, making it challenging to catch up without a strong Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) to step in. This is when HIMpros gets involved—to help cancer registries find staffing solutions to keep the process moving.
“HIMpros supports cancer registries by identifying strong candidates and matching their skills to the specific needs of the registries,” Johnson explains. “Keeping the data up to date is essential for State and National Cancer Registries to monitor trends and determine patterns.”
Impactful Success Stories
Johnson shared an inspiring success story. HIMpros recently worked with a large hospital system that had fallen two years behind in its data collection due to staffing issues. By collaborating with the organization’s leadership, HIMpros devised a workforce strategy plan to improve employee satisfaction. It would reduce turnover by providing additional support to the department to allow them to catch up on pending data entries. The effect of this collaboration is impactful for the organization and the physicians and university health facilities engaged in clinical trials and the countless cancer studies that rely on the data to bring the latest cancer treatments to patients, relying on the data for their care and cure.
Addressing the Challenges
One of the significant challenges HIMpros faces is the increasing demand for qualified cancer registrars. This shortage is growing exponentially, with experienced CTRs retiring and new graduates struggling to gain the practical experience needed to backfill these positions.
HIMpros addresses this issue through initiatives like “The Pros Network,” a platform they created to allow Cancer Registrars to connect, collaborate, and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships through exchanging information and ideas while sharing best-practice knowledge. Pros Network meets monthly and balances learning, fun, and building connections with peers. (To learn more, go to: https://thehimpros.com/.)
The Future of Cancer Registries
As technology advances, the future of cancer registries in South Florida and across the globe is becoming increasingly digital. The National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) envisions expanding information technology to enhance data management and exchange. This shift promises to streamline cancer surveillance and improve patient outcomes.
Supporting Cancer Registries and HIMpros
For healthcare professionals, the public, and policymakers, supporting the work of cancer registries and organizations like HIMpros is crucial. Hospital cancer registries are essential in collecting the data that can be used in clinical trials and research studies that could advance cancer treatments that lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy, quality of care, adherence to guidelines, and timely interventions. Collaboration and investment in these areas can improve patient outcomes and more effective healthcare systems.
Pursuing a Career in Healthcare Staffing
In closing, Johnson advises individuals considering a career in healthcare or for those interested in working with cancer registry data: “Do it. This is a great career that brings immense satisfaction. We’ve all known someone impacted by cancer, and the data collected by cancer registries is essential for improving patient outcomes, quality of life, survival rates, and the efficacy of treatments. This vital work rests in the capable hands of Cancer Registrars.”
The critical work of cancer registries and the essential role played by organizations like HIMpros in supporting them cannot be overstated. The data they collect and maintain is the lifeblood of modern cancer research and patient care. It provides the insights and knowledge needed to combat this devastating disease effectively. As we step into a future shaped by data and technology, their work becomes even more pivotal in the quest for better patient care and improved outcomes.
HIMpros invites you to join them on October 21, 2023, at 7:30 a.m., to walk with “Team Wudte” in the fight against cancer. For more information, visit thehimpros.com.
