Health services research in oncology

Background. Health services research in oncology is becoming an increasingly important issue. The conditions for oncological health services research are improving, particularly in terms of public funding possibilities. However, expectations in terms of results and outreach of health services research activities are growing. The aim of this work is to analyze current research activities in oncology and to draw implications for future research. Results. To date, there are still knowledge gaps, particularly with regard to cross-sectoral questions that include different stages of a cancer disease, challenges of personalized therapies, psychosocial burdens and support for patients or relatives and in terms of the special needs of vulnerable patients. Conclusion. Oncological health services research activities should be interdisciplinary and participatory in the future in order to maximize the outreach potential. It will be important to use the available primary and secondary data forms and sources to answer complex questions. Additional training and consulting in health services research methodology for scientists and clinicians should be developed and implemented to enable them to carry out high-quality oncological health services research in the future.