The use and usability of EPR systems in oncology

This paper reports preliminary findings of a study relating to the development and use of electronic patient record (EPR) systems in cancer services. The research literature demonstrates an increasing emphasis on reporting clinical outcomes and the need for effective EPR systems and high quality information, which should ultimately influence the quality of life of patients. The study is interpretative and forms part a wider research programme to define and validate CICERO, a reference model for 'Onco-EPR' systems. Preliminary conclusions from the primary study site, a leading UK cancer treatment centre, confirm the requirement for more effective Onco-EPR system design and implementation planning with emphasis on the socio-technical aspects of health informatics.