To assess compliance with data item reporting, what method is used by the quality control activity each year?

The method used to assess compliance with data item reporting involves random sampling, specifically selecting a random 10% of eligible pathology reports or a maximum of 300 cases. This approach strikes a balance between thoroughness and efficiency, allowing cancer programs to evaluate a significant portion of their data without overwhelming the staff or resources.

By using a random sample, facilities can obtain a representative snapshot of their data quality and compliance with the reporting standards laid out by the Commission on Cancer. This method helps to ensure that the findings are statistically valid and can be generalized to the entire dataset. The cap at 300 cases ensures that even smaller programs can participate effectively in this quality control activity, making it accessible and practical for facilities of all sizes.

This systematic approach is superior to attempting to analyze all eligible pathology reports, which may not be feasible due to time and resource constraints, or focusing on a fixed percentage like 5%, which might not provide enough data to make meaningful assessments.