An information system for head and neck tumors: optimal use of abstracting and retrieval resources.

This report describes a symbiotic interaction between a hospital tumor registry and the physicians in a medical school department of otolaryngology. The tumor registry is responsible for collecting central registry data, entering both central registry and department-specific data, performing routine data maintenance functions, and tracking the patients over time. The departmental physicians collect site-specific data and, after entry into a computer-based data base management system, can access the information without intermediaries and at their convenience. The result is a comprehensive information resource for head and neck cancer. The development of a medical subspecialty information system, as a satellite to the central registry mechanism, is noteworthy in its low cost, frequent physician use, better patient tracking, improved patient care, and increased clinical relevance of registry activities. A subtle but pervasive benefit is the increased sense of mission experienced by all concerned.