Information and communications technology as an enabler of change in the delivery of cancer care services

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the current and potential uses of information and communications technology (ICT) in the provision of cancer care services. Specifically, it reviewed the use of technology in cancer care delivery in Canada, outlined issues related to the diffusion and adoption of ICT in cancer care in Canada, and examined the potential for expanding the use of existing and emerging ICT. -- The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods including a Canada wide survey and key informant interviews with health care professionals working in cancer care service delivery across Canada. The results from the interviews and the survey generated a general picture of the use of ICT in cancer care services in Canada: -- a large majority of health care professionals working in cancer care service delivery are currently involved with ICT in some form; -- the ICT systems are used predominantly for educational and clinical purposes; -- videoconferencing is the technology used most often; -- the use of the telephone medical consult is still prominent; -- the most common factors contributing to the uptake of technology were f funding, ease of access and user friendliness; -- the most common factors contributing to sustainability were funding, integration into health care program and incentives to participate; -- the most common factors leading institutions to adopt I CT were the presence of a local champion and the actual availability of the service; -- the primary challenge to implementation of ICT is the overall level of resistance to change; and -- the primary lesson learned by those involved in ICT related to the need to have technical support in place in order to deliver a successful service.