1. Innovations in Training and Education

2. How to Stretch Budgets without Stressing Staff J. Jackson-Thompson, MSPH, PhD Missouri Cancer Registry, University of Missouri, Columbia jacksonthompsonj@health.missouri.edu http://mcr.umh.edu

3. Acknowledgments Co-Authors Sue Vest, CTR, MCR Project Manager Nancy Cole, CTR, Asst. Project Manager Deb Smith, CTR, Education/Training Coord. Graphics: Sharon El-Shoubasi & Gonza Namulanda

4. Missouri Cancer Registry Collaborative partnership between the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) and the University of Missouri - Columbia (MU) Supported by a Cooperative Agreement between DHSS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (U58/DP00820-01) and a Surveillance Contract between DHSS and MU

5. Objectives Briefly describe Missouri Cancer Registry’s (MCR’s) philosophy and approach; Discuss training and education for: Reporting facility staff MCR staff Summarize keys to success.

6. History of MCR Historical: 1972 - voluntary agreement State mandate – 1984, implemented ‘85 Received NPCR funding - 1995 Reference year - 1996 Expanded reporting – 1999 192.650 – 192.657 RSMo NAACCR certification – 1998 dx. year NPCR quality indicators – ongoing ↑ - 2006 cases - 90% 12 months – 1 st for MCR

7. Philosophy – We’re a Team

8. Approach - Reporting Facilities We’re in this together for better patient outcomes MCR has a responsibility to provide training for reporting facility staff Hospital reporters Non-hospital reporters

9. Challenges 1996: Outdated hardware & software Non-standard data elements & layout Non-competitive salaries Outdated job specifications (pre-electronic) Too few staff Limited education & training opportunities Difficulty retaining staff

10. Assess the Situation Annual assessment of education & training needs Plan has evolved over the years

11. Desired Outcomes Meet: NPCR standards & requirements Contractual obligations Serve the people of Missouri Hire & retain competent, dedicated staff Make MCR the best it can be!

12. MCR Staff Trainers 2007 – Full-time Ed/Training Coordinator Deb Smith, BA, CTR NPCR Train-the Trainer Deb Smith, CTR & Louanne Currance, CTR MCR staff cross-trained to assist

13. Hospital Reporters Types of training – Cost effectiveness Basic registry & advanced workshops Group on-site training One-on-one training On-site & 1-800 #s State & regional associations MoSTRA, BiSTRA, KCATRA

14. Hospital Reporters (cont’d) Types of training – Cost effectiveness Newsletters MCR Update, mini-Updates Website (http://mcr.umh.edu)http://mcr.umh.edu Materials, links, presentations Computer-based training modules (CBTs) Surveys NAACCR Webinars – hospital series 2007-08 supported by ACS

15. Non-hospital Reporters Types of training – Cost effectiveness Group on-site training One-on-one training – on-site & 1-800 Trainings in association with other meetings Website (http://mcr.umh.edu)http://mcr.umh.edu Materials, links, presentations Computer-based training modules (CBTs)

16. MCR Staff Hire the best, meet their needs, build a team, make us all better University employees: Free training Reduced fees for pursuing degree Create a career track for MCR staff

17. MCR Staff (cont’d) Staff training database Identify needs (e.g., SQL Server training) Encourage staff to submit abstracts, serve on regional, state & national boards, committees, workgroups Hold Strategic Planning retreats MCR staff only – MCR & individual goals Dept. of Health Management & Informatics

18. MCR Staff (cont’d) NAACCR Webinars – Central Registry series 2007-08 supported by American Cancer Society RPUG monthly conference calls Participate in other on-line trainings, educational sessions Make visits to other central registries Host staff from other registries

19. In-house Training Program Train-the-Trainer presentations for MCR staff On-the-job & CTR prep for Central Registry Data Specialists CTR-eligible Non-CTR-eligible Practice sessions for presentations at conferences

20. Keys to Success Flexible schedules for staff Adjust hours to meet MCR staff needs Added benefit – improved service to reporting facilities Allow telecommuting, working off-site Find a good CTR, don’t let distance be an issue Establish productivity guidelines/goals Set standards Must be CTR or CTR-eligible to be central registry data coordinator

21. Further Keys to Success Increase training opportunities Send all MCR staff to training of their choice Develop/improve training for hospital registrars Career development Pay professional association dues Encourage staff to take advantage of tuition reimbursement Restructure operations to meet registry & staff needs

22. Yet More Keys to Success Promote from within Annual salary increases Encourage staff to: Reach for the stars/achieve their dreams Submit abstracts to NAACCR/make presentations Get involved in research proposals Build a winning team

23. Staff Wish List More staff in QA, Non-hospital and Audit units Salary commensurate with responsibilities, training & expertise More space More time!

24. JJT’s Keys to Success Patience – success doesn’t come overnight Strategic planning Flexibility Teamwork Hire the best qualified staff you can find Don’t be afraid to leave a position vacant or terminate an employee Know your staff, believe in your staff and try to meet their needs Competitive salaries/flexible hours Create career tracks Be supportive

25. Contact Information Jeannette Jackson-Thompson, MSPH, PhD Operations Director, Missouri Cancer Registry and Research Associate Professor, Health Management & Informatics, University of Missouri-Columbia Phone: 573-882-7775 Toll-free for reporting facilities: 1-800-392-2829 E-mail: jacksonthompsonj@health.missouri.edu MCR website: http://mcr.umh.edu