eviQ Cancer Treatments Online: Providing evidence-based information to improve cancer patient outcomes

Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2024 Apr 17. doi: 10.1111/ajco.14067. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Aim: To understand the current usage of eviQ Cancer Treatments Online (www.eviQ.org.au), an Australian, open-access website providing evidence-based and consensus-driven cancer treatment protocols and information, and the extent to which it is meeting its intended outcomes and providing value to its users.

Methods: A mixed-method evaluation was conducted in 2020-2022 which included a review of key program documentation and website usage data, and delivery of a focused online survey to its users.

Results: In 2022, 329 clinicians representing all Australian states and territories contributed to eviQ content development and review. eviQ content continues to grow with a 15.2% increase in total content from 2019 to 2022. eviQ website users continue to grow with 90,000 total monthly users in 2022, representing a 166% increase from 2018. The proportion of international users compared to Australian users continues to grow with 57% of total users in Australia and 43% international in 2022. Of 466 survey responses, the most cited reason for eviQ use was for information on side effects/toxicity (67%). Ninety-three percent (93%) of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that eviQ contributed to both health professionals providing the best evidence-based treatment and care and improving the standardization of treatment and care provided.

Conclusion: eviQ is embedded in Australian clinical practice, highly valued, and relied upon by users. Users agree that eviQ has a positive impact on patients by supporting the delivery of evidence-based treatment and that eviQ contributed to patients' improved health outcomes and quality of life. eviQ's increasing international usage should be explored.

Keywords: antineoplastic protocols; evidence‐based medicine; internet‐based intervention; point‐of‐care systems; program evaluation.