Oncology
What is the project doing?
This project is developing a national oncology information system. The system will use a common dataset based on the Core Cancer Data standard that is currently awaiting HISO approval. The standard dataset will be used for analysis and research, and to allow summarised cancer information to be available through DHB regional clinical workstations.
New Zealand has six DHB oncology centres and two private centres delivering Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology and Haematology. Cancer diagnosis and treatment takes place in both public and private facilities, and palliative care is delivered in hospices and rest homes.
Why is it being done?
The Oncology programme seeks to integrate all major sources of cancer data to create a national view. This will mean high-quality, accurate, and timely data on cancer incidence, treatment and outcomes will be available to clinicians, planners and funders, cancer service providers, cancer researchers and, ultimately, patients and their families.
The causes of many cancers are understood and significant episodes are preventable or amenable to early detection and cure. However it is difficult to develop and implement controls of cancer, and to evaluate the effectiveness of new forms of treatment if information is held in different places. Better information will also help ensure the time patients wait from first diagnosis of cancer to first treatment is reduced.
Currently the burden of cancer falls disproportionately on Maori and on socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, families and communities. Better information will contribute to health equality.
What change will be noticed?
A national view of cancer will provide comprehensive information to support better control of cancer in New Zealand.
The systems used by Cancer Centres will be based on one standard, and a consistent view of patient's cancer data will be available to clinicians through the regional clinical workstations.
The programme is complementary to the enhancements concurrently taking place for the NZ Cancer Registry which will receive information from the national system.
Project Phase
Implementation (Southern Cancer Network)
Milestone Dates
- Core cancer dataset agreed (Apr - Jun 2011)
- National agreement to a single system in the Southern Cancer Network (Jul - Sep 2011)
- Implementation of Metriq reporting environment (Dec 2011)
Governance
National Cancer Clinical Information Leadership Group
Who's Involved
Principal Technical Specialist - Steve Creed (steve_creed@moh.govt.nz)
Contact us
If you have any feedback or questions please email the project team enquiries@ithealthboard.health.nz with the name of the project and your comments. We will respond to you within 5 working days.
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