Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction:
Objectives: Since the launch of the 1997 Windows version of the UKCCCR Register of ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials in cancer in the UK, and the subsequent launch of the WWW version in February 1999 there has been a consistent flow of enquiries generated. These requests relate not only to trials listed within the Register, but also to non-UK and non-randomised trials, which are excluded from registration. A significant proportion of the enquiries request information regarding more general cancer-related topics such as specific diseases and treatments. In order to continue to develop and improve the service that the UKCCCR Register can provide we have analysed the nature and sources of these enquiries.
Methods: All enquiries since February 1997 have been logged and the nature of the enquiry recorded. These records have been analysed and grouped according to the background of the individual initiating the enquiry and whether the enquiry related to the UKCCCR Register directly, or was of a more general nature. Since the launch of the web-site, we have collected supplementary data concerning the use of the site. Exploration of this electronically captured web-site data will be analysed for further assessments regarding Register usage.
Results: In the first 2 years (i.e. prior to the launch of the web-site) more than 140 enquiries were generated, mostly by telephone. Over 60% of enquiries were from health professionals including clinicians, nurses and health-care information providers. Similarly, following the launch of the web-site, the split between enquiries from health-care providers and the general public has been almost even. Family and friends of cancer patients initiated approximately half of the total enquiries from the general public. Approximately 65% of enquiries from health-care providers related directly to trials from within the UKCCCR Register. By contrast, only 30% of enquiries from the general public related directly to the Register, with the majority being of a more general nature. Updated results and how we aim to utilise these results in improving the service we can offer to all users of the UKCCCR Register will be discussed.
Discussion: The UKCCCR Register is primarily a source of information regarding ongoing and completed randomised controlled clinical trials in cancer in the UK. Analysis of the records concerning enquiries to the Register since conception of the 1997 version have shown that it is not only being used as a source of trial records but also as a general source of cancer information.
Objectives: Since the launch of the 1997 Windows version of the UKCCCR Register of ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials in cancer in the UK, and the subsequent launch of the WWW version in February 1999 there has been a consistent flow of enquiries generated. These requests relate not only to trials listed within the Register, but also to non-UK and non-randomised trials, which are excluded from registration. A significant proportion of the enquiries request information regarding more general cancer-related topics such as specific diseases and treatments. In order to continue to develop and improve the service that the UKCCCR Register can provide we have analysed the nature and sources of these enquiries.
Methods: All enquiries since February 1997 have been logged and the nature of the enquiry recorded. These records have been analysed and grouped according to the background of the individual initiating the enquiry and whether the enquiry related to the UKCCCR Register directly, or was of a more general nature. Since the launch of the web-site, we have collected supplementary data concerning the use of the site. Exploration of this electronically captured web-site data will be analysed for further assessments regarding Register usage.
Results: In the first 2 years (i.e. prior to the launch of the web-site) more than 140 enquiries were generated, mostly by telephone. Over 60% of enquiries were from health professionals including clinicians, nurses and health-care information providers. Similarly, following the launch of the web-site, the split between enquiries from health-care providers and the general public has been almost even. Family and friends of cancer patients initiated approximately half of the total enquiries from the general public. Approximately 65% of enquiries from health-care providers related directly to trials from within the UKCCCR Register. By contrast, only 30% of enquiries from the general public related directly to the Register, with the majority being of a more general nature. Updated results and how we aim to utilise these results in improving the service we can offer to all users of the UKCCCR Register will be discussed.
Discussion: The UKCCCR Register is primarily a source of information regarding ongoing and completed randomised controlled clinical trials in cancer in the UK. Analysis of the records concerning enquiries to the Register since conception of the 1997 version have shown that it is not only being used as a source of trial records but also as a general source of cancer information.