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By Michele, on March 7th, 2011% The rapid pace of new scientific discoveries in medicine over the last 30 years is unlike anything else experienced in the United States and hints to the dramatic improvements in our nation’s health and well-being. Yet, across the system patients, healthcare providers, payers and the government is demanding improvements to a system that is perceived as costly, fragmented, and ineffective. Evidence-based medicine, and its emphasis on integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise, provides us with a framework to develop systems and approaches to healthcare that improve the outcome and quality of life. When evidence-based knowledge is a natural part of our healthcare system it will ensure delivery of the care that is most appropriate and most likely to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual patient.
Of specific relvance to the cancer registrar and the work they perform every day is the evolution of information technology tools used by healthcare providers and also as a tool for educating patients. The past two decades have seen an explosion of data and information relevant to medical care which is expected to grow by a factor of thousands in the coming years. But, unless this information is accessible to the right people at the right time, it will be useless.
In January, 2010 the cancer registrar began collecting and reporting data based on new standards and guidelines for data collection and reporting reflects the changes in science, medicine and clinical advances that will drive further studies in quality and used in the development of best practice standards and evidence-based medicine.
We prepared a short video for our continuing education members of Registry Mindset but want to share this with you as well.
By Michele, on February 14th, 2011% Click here to watch a short video on this same subject.
One of Emeril’s trademarks is when he uses his special blend of spices to inject flavor and pizzazz into his food. But, have you considered putting the BAAM back into your work? No matter how fulfilling your work as a cancer registrar might be, putting the passion and excitement into the day-to-day work will require regular sprucing up.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to putting the BAAM back into your life, here are six things you can do to get started.
Do something bold. Look at your work and department and identify one process that can be improved upon. Propose a bold new idea that will make a difference to your cancer program. Change a policy or workplace process to be more productive or, heaven forbid – fun!
Become a mentor. Developing personal relationships makes your work more meaningful. Use the wealth of experience and knowledge you have gained in the cancer registry to help a student or a new cancer registrar. Sharing your expertise will validate those years of hard work.
Reset your attitude. Are you looking at the cancer registry future with a glass-half-empty kind of perspective? Perhaps you think your job, or the future of cancer registrars is bleak. Look at it another way: even if you were chief widget maker your job would have value. As a cancer registrar you ensure that hospitals, physicians, administrators and researchers have the data they need to best treat cancer patients.
Look for outside inspiration. There is far more to life than your work. Find a new hobby, resurrect an old one, volunteer for a cause you believe in, or sign up for a community “go green” activity. Being part of something beyond yourself brings clarity and purpose to your life.
Focus on the positive, eliminate the negative. Look for the good in the people in your cancer program. Give earned compliments and praise freely. Replace “I can’t…we can’t…” with “How can I help…or Let me figure out how we can make that happen.”
Reconnect with your faith. You may be surprised at how many high profile people and celebrities find that religious faith adds purpose and meaning to their lives. They believe that they are God’s instrument and that they find purpose in doing His work through them here on earth. Even atheists or those just exploring their spirituality can find faith to be a powerful motivator.
Most important, if you are looking to put the passion and excitement back into your cancer registry work you will find that it does get better if you put a little thought into it. Explore these six areas of your life on a regular basis and you will likely improve your impression of the world around you and find yourself living a happier, healthier, more fulfilled life as a cancer registry leader.
TELL US: How do you put the BAAM! into your day? How do you help your coworkers or fellow cancer registrars to reconnect with their passion for this work?
http://www.RegistryMindset.com. Michele Webb CTR is, a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar, committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional education as a coach, mentor, motivational speaker, and author. You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way and give a link back and credit to the author on this website.
By Michele, on February 14th, 2011% Update March 4, 2011: After we published this post the free ebooks site listed below was taken down from the Internet. The links to the standard setting agencies are still good. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Cancer Registrars can take advantage of many free ebooks, or electronic books usually in the form of a .PDF, to broaden their knowledge base and understanding of cancer and healthcare. While the registrar does need to pre-screen the material to ensure that it is relevant, there is an incredible amount of free information that is useful and appropriate. Recently Registry Mindset came across a website that numerous free ebooks gathered from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), Commission on Cancer (CoC), National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and National Cancer Institute that may be of interest.
This website has a wide range of free ebooks on just about any topic you would need, but we were interested in sharing with you the cancer-specific titles. Click here to go to Free eBook and select the titles you are interested in downloading.
By Michele, on February 11th, 2011% Registration for the SEER 2011 Advanced Topics for Registry Professionals workshop to be held after the National Cancer Registrar’s Association Annual meeting in Orlando Florida is now open to hospital-based cancer registrars. This workshop is worth the trip alone! Register soon as seats fill up fast. Registration closes on Friday, March 11, 2011 at midnight.
Here’s the SEER description of their 2-day workshop:
“The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Advanced Topics for Registry Professionals Conference will be a 2-day educational session on CSv2 for registry professionals. Hospital and central registry staff will benefit from a systematic review of key Collaborative Stage Data elements, including site-specific factors with emphasis on the breast, colon, lung, prostate, and melanoma schemes. Additional topics include updates on major changes for v0203, CAnswer Forum, and a preview of the upcoming 2011 CS Reliability Study.
Educational presentations will be posted on the registration site 1 week prior to the conference. Participants will receive notification via email when the presentations are available to print or save to flash drives if bringing a laptop computer. Hard copies will not be provided for this conference.
PARTICIPANTS WILL:
- Utilize the Collaborative Stage Data Collection System Manual (CSv2) and site-specific schema relevant to coding breast, colon, lung, prostate, and melanoma cases
- Expand understanding of the data elements, including site-specific factors
- Learn the major changes in v0203 Part I, Sections I and II
- Expand knowledge of CSv2 data sources and availability
- Interact with subject matter experts from the CSv2 Educational & Training Team, CSv2 Mapping Team, CoC Team, CoC/AJCC/CS CAnswer Forum, and SEER DQT “
This is one of the best workshops offered to cancer registrars each year. It’s low-key, informative and while registration is free, travel expenses are not. However, registrants are never disappointed!
By Michele, on January 24th, 2011% In 2010 sweeping changes were launched that are pushing cancer registrars to their limits and beyond. Undeniably it is the pace in which science and clinical medicine is changing that drives how cancer registrars need to work to keep pace and deliver the data and value to their healthcare teams. In a recent Journal of AHIMA article, Laura Vondenhueval, RHIT, CTR, said it best, “This is a massive change. It is a new way to look at how we are gathering our data.”
It is obvious that cancer registrars need to learn how to work in an environment where change is no longer the exception, but the norm. In the past we used to have long periods of stability with intermittent periods of change. Today, we need to shift our mindset and accept that we will now have almost constant change with intermittent periods of stability. Here are some common challenges cancer registrars face with constant change.
Challenge #1
Before the 2010 changes were introduced we thought that this was just a phase that healthcare was going through, and after a very brief period of adaptation, everything would revert to normal and we could go back to enjoying a long period of stability. Here’s a reality check, it’s not going to be that way any more because it’s not just a phase. Healthcare providers and standard-setters are expecting more from cancer registrars and are telling us that they are willing to make adjustments in their workforce if cancer registrars cannot change their thought processes or do their work differently. It’s not about workforce reductions, it is all about changing how we think about and do our work day to day.
Challenge #2
Today, when we do hit those infrequent moments of stability, we think that we have time to relax and enjoy the moment. In the past we focused on simply enduring the turbulence so that we could return to the comfort of stability. In order to succeed with today’s changes we must take advantage of the quiet, stable moments and use them as a “launching pad” to prepare for managing the next wave of change. During these moments of stability we should be thinking about what our healthcare teams and standard-setters will need from us in the short- and long-term future as well as what the new requirements might be. Look at the industry and investigate how to position yourself more competitively so you are prepared when the changes inevitably come.
Challenge #3
Some cancer registrars may have developed an attachment to stability and focused their energy on creating and sustaining it in the workplace. The hardest challenge of all will be to lose our attachments to stability. The cancer registrar needs to embrace change and harness its power and seek out new opportunities that change brings to us. Before 2010 we worked hard to get over change so we could relax; now we need to work hard at change so we can work hard at more change. Registrars who choose to play the role of the victim can ignore change and how to deal with it, but by the time they are in a position to do something about it they will have lost the opportunity to prepare for it, and likely their “edge” and career success as well.
So, what’s the solution?
First, make it OK to deal with change. Accept where we are and what we as cancer registrars need to deal with. Stop making judgments about change being necessary or unnecessary, good or bad, justified or not justified. Change does not have to control the reality of our situation or our ability to manage it or serve our teams.
Second, create a “safe” environment for yourself and other cancer registrars to deal with the change. Break the changes down into manageable chunks and begin to take action on small pieces of it. Start small and build from each successful step. Encourage and allow your staff and peers to take risks by coming up with new ideas and solutions to changing how we do our work. Provide a lot of encouragement and support to one another by building a solid support network and then by using it by tapping into its resources.
Third, if you, or some of your peers or co-workers tend to identify with the victim, set up some accountability and support for each other. Discuss the expectations and if necessary create workplace agreements and identify ways to interact and help one another so that each cancer registrar, whether they are local, regional, statewide or even nationally, can encourage you and other members of your network.
Fourth, begin a process of constant acknowledgement, support and challenge for cancer registrars. Be careful to not perpetuate the old paradigm of sitting back on your laurels during a stable period. Acknowledge people for managing the current change and encourage all to begin talking about and planning for new, incoming changes. When people get discouraged, provide support, acknowledge their success, and then present them with new challenges for growth.
Change is not new to cancer registrars, nor will it ever cease. Continual learning and enhancing the data that we collect to keep pace with medicine and science is driving the need for cancer registrars to develop new ways of thinking and doing their work. Periods of stability with intermittent change are now the old paradigm. Today, we must work hard to manage change in order to look ahead and be prepared for more change. Cancer Registrars cannot do this alone, they must develop a strong network of their peers for support, accountability and positive acknowledgement of their role in the fight against cancer.
IF YOU HAVE FOUND WAYS TO MANAGE THE 2010 CHANGES AND KEEP YOUR SANITY….POST A COMMENT BELOW. QUESTION: HOW CAN REGISTRARS HELP ONE ANOTHER THINK & DO DIFFERENTLY?
http://www.CancerRegistrar.com. Michele Webb is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR) committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional development. She helps cancer registrars worldwide as a coach, mentor, educator, motivational speaker, and author. You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit to the author and link back to her website.
By Michele, on January 16th, 2011% Automatic negative thoughts, or ANTs, are thoughts that come into our mind automatically and ruin our day or send us into a negative tailspin. Dr. Daniel Aman, who developed the concept, talks of the destructive power of negative thoughts and how they alter the physical and chemical composition of our brains and literally destroy our mental and physical health.
We should not believe every negative thought we have because our thoughts lie to us all the time! It is our uninvestigated thoughts that turn us into mental midgets, make us sad or anxious, and erode our abilities as a Cancer Registrar.
 Our success as a Cancer Registrar depends on how we manage our thoughts and mindset. ANTs may attempt to invade our mind, but through proper care and maintenance of our physical and mental health we can avoid disaster by managing the thought appropriately and “killing” the ANTs.
Whenever you feel a negative or out-of-control thought, or have thoughts that are bothering you or making it hard to focus, Dr. Aman gives four questions to ask yourself:
- Is the thought true? Is the thought that is upsetting me really true?
- Can I know absolutely for sure that the thought is true?
- When I believe in the negative thought, how does it make me feel? (physically, emotionally and spiritually)
- Who would I be, or how would I feel, without the thought?
Work through the four questions then turn the original thought around to its opposite and ask yourself the same four questions. Is the opposite thought upsetting to you or true? You may be surprised at what you learn through this simple exercise.
Here’s an example of an upsetting thought: “My hospital does not care about my work as a Cancer Registrar.”
- Is it true? Of course not, you do have some control.
- Can I absolutely know that this thought is true? No.
- How do I feel when I believe the negative thought? Weak, inferior, sad, anxious, out of control, or worn out.
- Who would I be, or how would I feel, without the thought? Free to be in control and to be the best Cancer Registrar I can be.
Now, take that negative thought and turn it around to its opposite and ask yourself if the opposite of the upsetting thought is true? I have complete control over my skills and quite a bit of control in how others perceive my value and contribution as a Cancer Registrar.
How will you use this technique to “kill ANTs?” What ANTs have invaded your mind today and how did you handle them? Post your response as a COMMENT below.
http://www.RegistryMindset.com. Michele Webb is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR) committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional development worldwide as a coach, mentor, educator, motivational speaker, and author. You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit to the author and link back to this website.
By Michele, on January 10th, 2011% (Part Five of our series titled “Agility Training for Cancer Registrars”)
Every business today is about relationships, including cancer registry. The quality and impact of your work, and the success of your cancer registry, depends on your relationships. As a Cancer Registrar you are facing new challenges in terms of reporting standards and data quality. As professionals it is important that you shake things up to stay fresh and viable in the business by reinventing yourself and your relationships. Cancer Registrars must figure out the next chapter in their lives, despite ever-changing requirements, economic struggles or organizational cutbacks. Standing still is not an option because if you are not growing, you are becoming stagnant or even dying professionally.
So, you’re probably asking yourself why you need to reinvent your relationships. As healthcare business changes, as the cancer registry operations change, so should you as a professional and now is the perfect time to get started. It’s time to re-evaluate your life and work and to objectively assess where you are now and where you are headed. And, since you’re starting over, dream big and bold!
Use these eight questions to evaluate where your situation and to take action to ensure that your career and professional success keep pace with cancer healthcare. In fact, use these questions with your staff or co-workers to align yourselves for even greater success.
- What fundamental activities or aspects about your work is important to you? Why?
- What is your mission in life and as a cancer registrar?
- What is your philosophy in life and as a cancer registrar?
- To find your passion, think back to a time when you were operating “in the zone.” What were you doing to get to that place in your life?
- Look at the people in your circle of influence, are they helping or hindering you? What, or whom, do you need to add to your circle of influence?
- Look ahead three years, where would you like to be in your professional life? What would your ideal cancer registry career look like? Then, frame your responses in the form of professional goals.
- Ask yourself, if you are sitting here in this same spot three years from now, what would have to happen for you to feel fulfilled and content with your work?
- Look at the cancer registry masters who have accomplished what you are trying to achieve, what strategies did they use? How can those strategies work for you?
If you honestly answer these questions you will have a good framework and idea of what your professional life should look like. Take each response and form it into a step, activity or goal that you need to accomplish. Always keep the end goal or picture in your mind and then work backwards to create an action list to get to your goal.
Reinventing yourself is hard work and reinventing relationships will require patience, thought and planning. However, if you choose not to do this you will likely be left behind or miss out on the success and professional recognition you deserve. Always keep your eye on the end goal and “prize.” Take responsibility for how your interactions at work impact others and the healthcare business. Make a commitment to take your work to a higher level and one that is dedicated to serving the needs of your organization, your professional community, and the customers they serve. Capitalize on the value that cancer registrars and the healthcare team brings to their work and find new or different ways to collaborate and serve the needs of others. This kind of focus will ensure that your business relationships remain fresh and productive and that you, as a cancer registrar, achieve success.
What are you doing to reinvent your business relationships? Post a comment below to tell us what ONE thing you have done that has made a positive difference in your work and life.
http://www.RegistryMindset.com. Michele Webb is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR) who is committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional growth. She helps cancer registrars around the world as a motivational speaker, author, and educator. You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit to the author and link back to her website.
By Michele, on January 9th, 2011% 
“You can learn new things at any time in your life
if you are willing to be a beginner. If you actually
learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens
up to you.” ~ Barbara Sher
(image from http://www.endemicworld.com/can-of-inspiration.html)
By Michele, on January 7th, 2011%
Recorded September 9, 2010 with Shawn Achor, author The Happiness Advantage
Interviewed by Max Miller
“Question: What is the biggest misconception about happiness?
Shawn Achor: I think we think that happiness is something that you find or if you reach some level in a company or a school, then you’re happier. And what we’re finding is that happiness is not something that happens to you; happiness is a work ethic. It’s something that requires our brains to train just like an athlete has to train. In order to become happier, we actually have to focus our brains down on things that actually move us forward instead of getting stagnating in the things that… for example, stressing about things that are outside of our control doesn’t move us forward at all.
So what I think that what we need to be able to do is to not only change the formula for success, to help us to be able to focus upon this idea that if we prioritize happiness, it will then raise our success rates, but also a recognition that is something that we actually have to be conscious about on a daily basis because it’s something that actually requires effort, it requires training and requires us to be able to focus our attention on this. And if we do so, I think the thing that we oftentimes think is that if people get happy, they’ll stop working hard or that happy people are unintelligent. And what we’re finding is just the opposite. I think it is the most counter-intuitive thing we’ve found, which is happiness actually raises an individual’s intelligence and their success rates.
We find that the happy people aren’t always the smartest people, we know that there are… I’ve met tons of people that are very successful and not happy, and people that are extremely intelligent and not happy. So we might assume that those two things are divorced, but now what we really realize in the science is that both of those individuals are actually underperforming what their brain is actually capable of. And if we have more role models in our companies and schools of individuals that are positive and infect other people with that positivity rippling out through those mirror neuron networks, not only can we raise the levels of happiness and engagement in our schools and companies again, but we’ll actually raise their levels of successes as well.”
By Michele, on January 4th, 2011% SEER released an update to the desktop version of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Case Reportability and Coding Manual version 1.6.2 today. If you are a working cancer registrar or cancer registry student and have not already downloaded this update you may want to consider doing so right away.
 This online manual contains the instructions and data collection rules for hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms that went into effect on January 1, 2010. Remember the older version we dubbed “the red book.” This online database replaces the “red book” and contains more information, including the MP/H rules.
When you download and install, don’t forget to sign up for email updates so that as new versions are released you are notified right away so you keep your references up-to-date. This is an incredibly valuable resource that every cancer registrar must have!
TELL US YOUR STORY … how have you used, or how has the SEER hematopoietic online database helped you? Scroll down and post a short comment and help another cancer registrar today.
http://www.RegistryMindset.com. Michele Webb is committed to cancer registry leadership and to making a difference in the lives of cancer registrars worldwide. She is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR), a motivational speaker, author and educator. You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit tot he author and link back to this article on this website.
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