Implementation Plans for the Korean Certified Tumor Registrar Qualification System

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Cancer registration data is used to understand the nation’s cancer burden, and to providesignificant baseline data for cancer control efforts, as well as, research on cancer incidence, mortality, survival,and prevalence. A system that approves, assesses, and manages the qualification of specialists, responsiblefor performing cancer registration, has not been developed in Korea. This study presents ways to implementa certification system designed for the qualification of tumor registrars in Korea. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>:Requirements for implementing a certified tumor registrar qualification system were determined by reviewingthe system for establishing qualifications in Korea and the American qualification system via the NationalCancer Registrars Association (NCRA). Moreover, a survey was conducted on Korean medical recordsadministrators, who had taken the U.S. Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) examination, in order to review theiropinions regarding these requirements. <br/><b>Results</b>: This study verified the feasibility of a qualification examinationbased on the opinions of CTR specialists by determining the following: items, and the associated ratings, of thequalifications necessary to register individuals as certified tumor registrars in a private qualification system;status of human resources required for the examination or training processes; plans regarding the organizationneeded for management, and operation of qualifications, examination standards, subject areas, examinationmethods, examination qualifications, or education and training programs. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The implementationof a certified tumor registrar qualification system will lead to enhanced job competency for specialists and aqualitative improvement of cancer registration data. It will also reliably foster human resources that will laythe groundwork needed to establish scientific and reasonable national cancer management policies.