Oncology Information System: A Qualitative Study of Users’ Requirements

Yazdanian, Azaeh; Ayatollahi, Haleh; Nahvijou, Azin

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.10.3085

Oncology Information System: A Qualitative Study of Users’ Requirements

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

² Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Cancer Research Center of Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.10.3085

Abstract

Background: Cancer care is a complex care process and is associated with generating a variety of data during the
care process. Therefore, it seems that designing and using information systems is necessary to enhance the accessibility,
organization and management of cancer-related data. The aim of this study was to identify users’ requirements of an
oncology information system (OIS). Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2018. In depth semi-structured
interviews were performed with clinicians and non-clinicians in five teaching hospitals to identify users’ requirements.
Data were analyzed by using framework analysis. Results: The four themes emerged from data analysis included: a)
methods of recording cancer data in the hospitals, b) required cancer data in different departments, c) comprehensive
cancer care documentation, and d) required functions of an oncology information system. Conclusion: According
to the results, currently, electronic documentation is less frequently used for cancer patients. Therefore, an extensive
effort is needed to identify users’ requirements before designing and implementing an oncology information system.
As multidisciplinary teams are involved in cancer care, all potential users and their requirements should be taken into
account. Such a system can help to collect and use cancer data effectively.

Keywords