Unfortunately, when I see The ASCO Post, my first impression is that you enable a group of researchers (part-time clinicians) to pontificate about their own agendas. The agenda that seems to be missing is the presentation of information that either supports or refutes the freight train of “quality care” reporting that seems to be mandated at the national level.
Is all this reporting really necessary? As a physician, I am part of the most intensely educated group in the world. Despite my education, a pervading emphasis on documenting quality care and quality care metrics seems to suggest (1) I am not to be trusted, (2) I cannot do my job, (3) I am enabled by no one to perform efficiently, and (4) I require the oversight of every [less educated] regulatory body in this country.
It is nice of you to focus on the scientific progress (remarkable and truly appreciated). But your service does not enable me to provide my service.
How about getting your quality care team to update us on the pros and cons of all the extra data collection? ■
—James R. Gould, MD
Paducah, Kentucky
Disclaimer: Letters to the Editor represent the views of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of ASCO.
