Oncology Information System: A Qualitative Study of Users’ Requirements

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.