Developing an Australian multi-module clinical quality registry for gynaecological cancers: a protocol paper

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Clinical Informatics

Background:

• Gynaecological cancers represent nearly 10% of cancer diagnoses in Australian women.
• Significant variations in survival rates and treatment outcomes for these cancers across Australia are not well-documented.
• There is a need for systematic monitoring to improve the quality of care for women with gynaecological malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a national clinical quality registry for gynaecological cancers in Australia.
• To systematically monitor and improve the quality of care provided to women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers.
• To facilitate clinical process improvements, enhance patient outcomes, and increase adherence to best practice care.

Main Methods:

• The National Gynae-Oncology Registry (NGOR) will capture clinical data on all newly diagnosed cancers of the uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, cervix, vulva, and vagina.
• Data will be sourced from existing clinical databases maintained by clinicians and hospital gynaecological cancer units.
• A pilot phase focusing on ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal (OTP) cancers was conducted to assess registry feasibility and stakeholder support.

Main Results:

• The registry infrastructure and an inaugural ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal (OTP) module have been developed and piloted.
• Ethical approvals have been obtained from multiple Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs).
• The registry will provide routine performance feedback to participating sites based on agreed best practice measures.

Conclusions:

• The NGOR is designed to systematically monitor and improve gynaecological cancer care in Australia.
• Data feedback loops are central to driving quality improvements and enhancing patient outcomes.
• Future development includes additional tumour modules to cover all gynaecological cancer types.