Strengthening Oncology Data Systems for Equitable Care in Asia-Pacific: Current Practices and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Oncology
• Cancer Care Management

Background:

• Effective oncology data management via oncology information systems (OIS) is vital for high-quality cancer care.
• Adoption and utilization of OIS vary significantly across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To benchmark OIS utilization, data capture, and integration across APAC.
• To identify gaps in OIS implementation and inform targeted improvements for cancer care.

Main Methods:

• A regional survey was distributed to radiotherapy professionals in 19 APAC countries.
• The questionnaire assessed OIS utilization, data capture, IT support, training, and system integration.
• Responses were analyzed descriptively and stratified by World Bank income group (L-MIC, U-MIC, HIC).

Main Results:

• OIS functionality was limited in low-middle-income countries (L-MICs) and upper-middle-income countries (U-MICs).
• While basic demographic and radiotherapy data were often captured, equity-related data (ethnicity, disadvantaged group status) were poorly documented.
• Reliance on paper records persisted in L-MICs and U-MICs, with varied data capture locations and lower structured OIS data entry.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in OIS utilization and data quality exist across the APAC region.
• Regional strategies must focus on comprehensive training and standardized datasets.
• These improvements are essential to enhance cancer care quality and equity throughout APAC.