Addressing critical issues in the development of an Oncology Information System

PurposesThis paper presents the experience on the design and implementation of a user-centered Oncology Information System developed for the Medical Oncology Department at the “Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria”, in Málaga, Spain. The project focused on the aspects considered in the literature as critical factors for a successful deployment and usage of a health information system.MethodsSystem usability, adequate technology, integration of clinical routines, real-time statistical analysis of data, information confidentiality and standard protocol-based external interconnection were the key aspects considered.ResultsThe developed system is based on a web application with a modular and layered architecture accounting for usability, ease of maintenance and further system development. Evaluation of system usability was carried at three and fifteen months after system deployment to analyze the advantages/disadvantages experienced by the end-users.ConclusionsA thorough prior analysis of clinical activities and workflows, the use of the adequate technology, and the availability of data analysis tools will almost guarantee success in the deployment of an Oncology Information System.

► We report our User-Centered Design experience for an Oncology Information System. ► We provide solutions to critical issues associated with unsuccessful HIS deployment. ► We describe an embedded statistical tool to perform real-time survival analysis. ► High degree of system usability was reached without increasing the daily workload. ► The patient care quality and the relationships clinicians–patients were improved.