title: Health information technology in oncology practice: a literature review.
abstract: The adoption and implementation of information technology are dramatically remodeling healthcare services all over the world, resulting in an unstoppable and sometimes overwhelming process. After the introduction of the main elements of electronic health records and a description of what every cancer-care professional should be familiar with, we present a narrative review focusing on the current use of computerized clinical information and decision systems in oncology practice. Following a detailed analysis of the many coveted goals that oncologists have reached while embracing informatics progress, the authors suggest how to overcome the main obstacles for a complete physicians' engagement and for a full information technology adoption, and try to forecast what the future holds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fasola
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macerelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Follador
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rihawi
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aprile
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Della Mea
keywords: CDSS; CPOE; HIT; cancer care; patient safety; quality of care