Oncology Information System: A Qualitative Study to Identify Cancer Patient Care Workflows

Abstract

Oncology information systems provide solutions for managing the information of cancer patients and enable monitoring of different aspects of cancer patient care. Since the use of oncology information systems enhances the quality of care, improves documentation, optimizes resource allocation, and increases the cost-effectiveness of care services, attention to these systems’ performance and their adaptation to workflows seems necessary. The purpose of this study was to identify cancer patient care workflows to design an oncology information system for Iran. This study employed a qualitative design and was conducted in 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 experts to determine their views on identifying workflows for cancer patients’ care. The participants were clinical and non-clinical staff at six university hospitals equipped with oncology wards. The method of data analysis was framework analysis. The cancer patient care workflows consisted of two categories, including cancer diagnosis workflows and cancer treatment workflows. Cancer diagnosis workflows fall into three subcategories, i.e., the patient’s referral to the clinic, an examination of the patient’s condition, and pathology workflows. On the other hand, cancer treatment workflows are divided into various treatments offered to cancer patients and workflows in the chemotherapy and radiotherapy wards. Given the variety of services and the complexity of caring for cancer patients as well as the involvement of various specialists in the process of care, identifying and optimizing workflows in the oncology information system reduces errors, enhances data accuracy, eliminates unnecessary steps, and ultimately improve the service delivery to cancer patients.

Revisiting the standards of cancer detection and therapy alongside their comparison to modern methods

“…Physicians must correctly interpret the information obtained during an interview and schedule further tests[ 13 ]. The current diagnostic path begins with examining a patient and learning about disturbing symptoms or family history of cancer[ 14 ]. This is followed by basic blood tests (complete blood count, creatinine level, electrolyte level, liver function test, tumor markers) and imaging tests (X-ray scan, computer tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance spectroscopy) to indicate where cancer may be located[ 15 ].…”

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: a new perspective on the role of Digoxin, ATG7 activators, Resveratrol, and herbal drugs

“…Schemes can range from 6-96 hours, and the bolus application's risk of developing cardiotoxicity is 4.13 times greater than prolonged infusion. Administration of drugs in long-time regimens like weekly treatment regimens shows less cardiotoxicity (0.8 vs. 2.9) [2,3,49]. Utilizing anthracyclines with liposomal coating reduces cardiotoxicity by up to 80% compared to traditional formulations while preventing access into the heart without reducing tumor penetrance [40,49].…”

“…Cancer is a significant global public health issue, causing over 10 million deaths in 2020, and is projected to surpass cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death by 2025 to 2030 [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, cancer was the first leading cause of death in 57 countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe, and the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases in 55 other countries [2,3]. Although the age-adjusted incidence rate has decreased by about 31%, the number of cancer cases continues to grow.…”

Impact of War on the Drug Supply for Cancer Patients in Sudan

“…The successful implementation of chemotherapy protocols is contingent upon the consistent availability of a diverse array of drugs tailored to different cancer types and stages. Ensuring the uninterrupted supply of these medications becomes paramount in delivering comprehensive and effective cancer care to patients across Sudan (Yazdanian, 2020). The enduring conflicts in Sudan have inflicted profound and far-reaching consequences on the nation's already fragile healthcare infrastructure.…”