Embedding oncologic protocols into the provision of care: the Oncocure project.

A computerized Decision Support System (CDSS) can improve the adherence of the clinicians to clinical guidelines and protocols. Integrating it within the clinical workflow can reduce the workload of the physicians, and improve the acceptance of the system. The building of a prescriptive CDSS and its integration with a legacy cancer patient management system is the aim of the Oncocure project, which implements the existing protocol for the medical treatment of breast cancer in the Asbru language, and interfaces the Asbru interpreter with the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) in use in an oncologic unit. Our work is not constrained to a specific domain or EPR implementation, but can be generalized to other fields of medicine and patient management systems. When implemented, our CDSS is expected to reduce the cost of care while improving the adherence to the guideline and the quality of the documentation.