Construction and evaluation of a cancer chemotherapy regimen database using an electronic medical chart network

Abstract

Purpose: There are many regimens for cancer chemotherapy, and thus information management is complicated. It is thought that the safe and appropriate use of cancer chemotherapy can be achieved by developing a system that involves information-sharing among medical staff. A system facilitating the choice of regimen was developed in our institution using an electronic medical chart network. In addition, a questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the usefulness of the cancer chemotherapy regimen database (DB). Methods: Microsoft Access 2000 was used for the DB. Microsoft Internet Information Services Ver. 6.0 included in the Windows 2003 Server was used as the management software of the Web-version DB. Results: With the Web-version DB, it was possible to offer chemotherapy regimen information to all departments in the hospital. The DB received an excellent evaluation based on the questionnaire results. The reasons for this were the exceptional ability to share information among medical staff and the appeal of a checking system. Conclusion: Obtaining information regarding cancer chemotherapy regimens became easier with the Web-version DB, which received an excellent evaluation by all medical staff. Proactive use of the Web-version DB can contribute to proper cancer chemotherapy choice and strengthening of hospital risk management. © 2005 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.