What data does the Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) use to evaluate the program's performance?

The Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) plays a critical role in evaluating a cancer program's performance, primarily utilizing data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). This comprehensive database provides risk-adjusted outcomes for cancer patients treated at CoC-accredited facilities across the United States. By analyzing NCDB data, the CLP can assess the quality of care, treatment patterns, and outcomes for cancer patients within their institution. This allows for informed decisions regarding program improvements and helps ensure that the facility meets national benchmarks for cancer care.

The other options may provide useful insights but do not offer the same level of standardized, comparative data as the NCDB. Internal audits and staff feedback can be helpful for operational assessments, while patient satisfaction scores alone focus on subjective experiences rather than clinical outcomes. Local hospital incident reports might highlight specific issues but lack the broader context necessary for evaluating overall program performance. The NCDB serves as an essential tool for the CLP, allowing for objective measurement of care quality and facilitating continuous improvement in cancer treatment programs.