News
OncoZON joins R(H)ONDA initiative for automated data flow with the Dutch Cancer Registry
R(H)ONDA is an initiative by IKNL and Performation, who are partners within the Oncode Accelerator Patient Cohorts Innovation Platform. With the connection of OncoZON, 21 hospitals are now participating in this data flow, in which oncological data is automatically collected from electronic health records and processed faster.
The Oncological Care Network Southeast Netherlands (Oncologisch Zorgnetwerk Zuidoost Nederland, OncoZON) has signed a letter of intent to participate in R(H)ONDA. This initiative of the IKNL (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland) and Performation Healthcare Intelligence focuses on automating the exchange of data between the electronic health record (EHR) and the Dutch Cancer Registry (Nederlandse Kankerregistratie, NKR).
With the connection of OncoZON, 21 hospitals are now participating in this data flow, in which oncological data is automatically collected from the EHRs and processed faster. The inclusion of OncoZON in R(H)ONDA contributes to the further improvement of oncological care in the region, specifically in the field of expensive medicines, the speed of regional reports and their inclusion in near real-time, the use of the IZA Network Tool (a closed environment with management information for hospitals within an oncology network), and the facilitation of scientific research.
Faster and more accurate data for better care and research
Faster insight into the use and effectiveness of treatments is of great importance for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and, above all, people living with cancer.
Prof. Thijs Merkx, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IKNLWith this fast-learning healthcare system, together we can gain insight into how patients respond to treatments, so that we can improve treatment plans in the future. This involves using data that is already available from, for example, the EHR, which will be retrieved and used earlier in the patient's care plan. A concrete advantage is that we can better measure the usefulness of new, and often expensive, medicines more quickly.
Optimizing personalized care
By gaining near real-time insight into which patient groups benefit from specific treatments, and how these groups are characterized, care can be further personalized and improved.
OncoZON's letter of intent marks an important step in the further digitalization of oncological care, enabling more efficient collaboration and improved care outcomes for people living with cancer throughout the Netherlands.
Prof. dr. René van der Hulst, chairman of the Executive Board of OncoZONParticipation in R(H)ONDA ensures near real-time availability of essential data, enabling our healthcare professionals to provide the best and most personalized care possible. This project fits seamlessly with our commitment to continuous improvement with and innovation within our network, while always focusing on the interests of people living with cancer.
About OncoZON
OncoZON is an oncological partnership of nine hospitals and a radiotherapy institute in the southeast of the Netherlands (Anna Zorggroep, Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven, Elkerliek Ziekenhuis, Laurentius Ziekenhuis, Maastro, Máxima Medisch Centrum, Maastricht UMC+, SJG Weert, VieCuri Medisch Centrum and Zuyderland). In April 2024, OncoZON became the first major oncology network in Europe to be accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI). This international recognition confirms that OncoZON lives up to its mission: high-quality care for everyone living with cancer in the region, regardless of the hospital in which they are treated.
IKNL and R(H)ONDA
IKNL is an independent knowledge institute for oncological and palliative care, and a partner within Oncode Accelerator’s Patient Cohorts Innovation Platform. IKNL’s mission is to reduce the impact of cancer, which is achieved by using insights from data collected in the NKR. IKNL is working on the automation of data import from various data sources, including the EHR, to the NKR. This makes the NKR future-proof and directly contributes to better care for people with cancer. By giving healthcare providers access to up-to-date data, they gain faster and more accurate insight, which can be used to optimize the quality of care.
With R(H)ONDA (Realtime (Hemato-) ONcology DAta), structured data is automatically collected from EHRs by Performation's Data Gateway, and then standardized and sent quickly and securely to the NKR. This makes insights available in near real-time for research and care improvement. In addition, it contributes to scientific research by allowing patients who are candidates for innovative therapies to be identified more quickly. The costs for implementation and management of R(H)ONDA are covered by a grant within Oncode Accelerator from the National Growth Fund.
For more information, please contact:
From IKNL: press officer Jolanda Sinha on 06 34 62 02 29 or advisor Lizette Berkx on 06 11 83 15 23.
From Oncode Accelerator: marcom@oncodeaccelerator.nl