Working parties
The Need
Europe has an increasing number of cancer patients and poorer outcomes for care despite better research output than the USA. Cancer survival is unacceptably variable in different European countries. The Eurocan study identified poor communication between all those involved in cancer care as one of the main reasons for these poor outcomes.
The Purpose
Eurocancercoms has identified 6 main project areas in order to establish efficient communications for all those involved in cancer.
Project Flow
This project will examine the information flow between basic scientists and other healthcare professionals..
The group will itemise the forms of information produced in the science labs, the groups of people to whom the information should pass, the barriers in this process, the techniques currently used and the requirements for better communications with emphasis on open access publication.
A position paper on current use of communication systems, barriers to such use and proposed solutions will be published. As well as a report on the influence of funding agencies in journals and the media.
Partners
Project Data
Aims
This project will assess and analyse barriers and recommend solutions for optimal dissemination of cancer data from translational research, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies.
Outcomes
This project will produce an inventory of cancer research databases to be hosted online. A report on barriers and solutions to communication of translational research findings, clinical trials and epidemiological studies with particular focus on childhood cancer and aged, infirm, socially deprived and ethnic minority patients. A report on cancer professionals accreditation across Europe is also planned.
Partners
Project Guidelines
Aims
This project will look at the assimilation of cancer research results for uptake and implementation by healthcare professionals, patients and health services.
Outcomes
An inventory of guidelines for cancer care will be created and hosted online as well as information on who is involved in creating the guidelines. Involvement of patients via social networks will be tested,
Partners
ECCO would like to thank the input and expertise of the ECCO patient advisory committee (PAC) for their help on this project
Project Dissemination
Aims
This project will look at the dissemination of results from cancer research, looking at current routes and vehicles used and the accuracy and efficiency of understanding and uptakes. Social networking techniques will be piloted.
Outcomes
A position statement from patients and consumer groups on their information needs and how they would like to access this information. A report on accuracy of information accessed by health professionals, patients, consumer groups and industry as well as a publication on how much multimedia sources are used by those in the cancer community.
Partners
ECCO would like to thank the input and expertise of the ECCO patient advisory committee (PAC) for their help on this project
Project Technologies
Aims
This project will evaluate new technologies to enable a better linked cancer community and look at the suitability of these new internet applications.
Outcomes
A report on current informatics technologies will be produced as well as a demonstration model on ecancer.eu to demonstrate effectiveness of a European communication network. The project will also make recommendations for the optimal use of electronic support by all those involved in cancer care.
Partners
Project Policy
Aims
This project will examine existing policies and EU legislation applied to information access throughout Europe and recommend improvements in legal framework and ethical guidelines.
Outcomes
The project will deliver recommendations on Open Access publishing, consumers understanding of cancer data, best practice in cancer networking and media influence.
Partners