Designing and validating an information management software for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Iran and around the world. It has been recognized as the most significant cause of cancer deaths in developing countries such as Iran. Considering the necessity of accurate and timely diagnosis of this disease, the aim of this research was to design and validate an information management software for the treatment of breast cancer.

 After reviewing related medical studies and reviewing similar softwares, basic information was collected, classified and processed. In the next step, the initial patterns were designed and the final design of the software was selected from data base applications. Infopath program (a subset of Microsoft Office) was our final choice. After preliminary design, the diagnostic and therapeutic steps of breast cancer were determined on the basis of the existing protocols and the necessary information extracted from Schwartzchr('39')s Principles of Surgery, was entered into the software. After the preliminary tests, validation steps, adjustment, distribution and analysis of the questionnaire were performed.

 Based on the responses recorded by the participants, the majority of the participants (52% with 91.23%) believed that "Breast Cancer Management Software" was a suitable software for management of patient information. 54 (94.74%) participants stated that they were confident of having access to the correct information by using the software and 55 (96.49%) believed that the "Breast Cancer Management Software" can be used as an educational aid.

 Apparently, artificial intelligence and computers cannot take the place of physicians. However, they have the potential to help physicians in order to make faster and more precise diagnosis. Moreover, use of artificial intelligence can result in decreased human errors during times of fatigue and stress. The Breast Cancer Management Software can be used as an aid in medical education and information management and ultimately in the management and treatment of breast cancer.