As with any large project, a harmonized reporting system will create its own personnel requirements, the committee wrote. These could be served by an existing entity, or by something entirely new.
"Creation of a new entity provides the opportunity for de novo formulation of practices and processes; however, the cost may be high. Developing the activity under the roof of an existing organization allows for building on existing infrastructure, thereby decreasing costs up-front. Over time, a freestanding operation could be established if indicated," the committee wrote.
The system would also need the guidance of a secretariat composed of stakeholders. That group would ensure that the database continued to serve members to the fullest.
The committee also addressed funding such centralized system. "The revenue stream ... might flow from several sources: grants from interested organizations and/or philanthropies, membership dues, subscription fees, licensing, or a hybrid of multiple sources."
Subscription fees would likely be tiered, depending on the required level of service. Committee members envisioned this as being similar to the different subscription levels for online income tax programs, with the lowest fee corresponding for the simplest returns.
The current system of repeated and disparate disclosure submissions is destined to become an unwieldy dinosaur, Dr. Lichter wrote in his editorial.
"It would be difficult to imagine a more cumbersome and confusing system, one in which even the most diligent investigator runs the risk of producing an inaccurate report," wrote Dr. Lichter, who is also chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Committee meetings will continue, and independent contractors are working on the specific details, according to Dr. Lichter.
"Outside consultants have been engaged to create a full business plan, including the system’s technical specifications, software needs, hosting opportunities, data governance, cost, and opportunities for a revenue stream that would allow the system to self-sustain."
The Institute of Medicine supported the work. Dr. Lichter had no financial disclosures.