From Burden to Benefit? Perspectives from Healthcare Providers on the Implementation of a Network Data Platform to Improve Personalized Lung Cancer Care in Germany

Background Building on the German national Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM), which has improved access to molecular testing for lung cancer patients, the project DigiNet aims to enhance digital networking via a Network Data Platform (NDP) in order to optimize data exchange and personalized therapy management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods To analyze facilitating and inhibiting factors from the perspective of healthcare providers (HCPs), qualitative interviews with respect to the implementation process were conducted. Qualitative content analysis in accordance with Kuckartz and Rädiker was undertaken, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was applied to guide the analysis. Results Overall, 40 HCPs contributed to 51 interviews, with 11 taking part twice. Facilitating factors included the establishment of DigiNet upon the preexisting infrastructure of nNGM and the systematic documentation of treatment data, thereby enabling a comprehensive review of the entire clinical pathway. Especially for peripheral locations, one benefit lies in the improved information flow and networking with nNGM centers. The most frequently reported barrier was the double documentation of patient data, as in-house and the NDP were used in parallel. There is a need for digital interfaces to enable transfer into existing software at each individual clinical site. Conclusions DigiNet highlights the potential of intensified digital networks to optimize precision oncology while underscoring the need to address regulatory and interoperability challenges to ensure integration into routine care.