Improving cancer care through electronic libraries: A survey of health professionals’ experiences with Ireland's systemic anti-cancer therapy regimen library

Abstract

Background

Treatment of cancers with Systemic Anticancer Therapy (SACT) is increasingly complex due to rising numbers of medicines and the need for management of novel adverse reactions. To manage this complexity, electronic decision support systems have been developed to support clinicians delivering SACT to patients. These systems ideally provide health professionals with accurate and up-to date information in a timely manner, reducing administrative demand at hospital levels, allowing for increasing standardisation of care and ultimately improving outcomes for patients. In Ireland a national SACT regimen e-library is maintained by the National Cancer Control Programme, which aims to promote safe, effective and standardised cancer care. The aim of this study was to understand the utility and appropriateness of the regimens from a clinical end user perspective.

Method

This study adopted a survey methodology to explore the perceived value and utility of this e-library from the perspective of health professionals delivering cancer care in Ireland.

Results

Health professionals perceive the national SACT regimen library to be useful and valuable when delivering care, with respondents suggesting a high level of integration into clinical work flows. However, uncertainty was observed regarding the governance structures that underpin the maintenance of the library.

Conclusion

The regimen library supports a high standard of increasingly standardised patient care, with areas identified for improvement in terms of clinical stakeholder engagement in governance and content development.