1. Within the Belgian National Cancer Plan in 2010, 320 extra psychologists, nurses and social workers were recruited. This increased the need for exchange and sharing experiences in Belgium. In answer to these needs, the Cédric Hèle institute (CHi) started to create a secure online community, with access to up-to-date information, training materials and scientific research. After a phase of exploration of needs and gathering of information, a project was developed: the launch of an online community. This community was called CHiCOM. The Minister of Welfare and Public Health, Jo Vandeurzen, decided to finance the initiative. CHi started to development of a community in collaboration with IT. CHi set up contacts with universities, key-players and experts in Psycho-Oncology, to stimulate their cooperation in CHiCOM. Currently we are testing the community. A group of professionals in oncology tries out the community. After a phase of exploration of needs and gathering of information, a project was developed: the launch of an online community. This community was called CHiCOM. The Minister of Welfare and Public Health, Jo Vandeurzen, decided to finance the initiative. CHi started to development of a community in collaboration with IT. CHi set up contacts with universities, key-players and experts in Psycho-Oncology, to stimulate their cooperation in CHiCOM. Currently we are testing the community. A group of professionals in oncology tries out the community. Jacobs E. MA 1, Bauwens S. MA 2, Distelmans W. MD PhD 2, Eelen S. MA 1, Verzelen A. MA 1 1. Cédric Hèle instituut vzw, Bruul 52/4, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium 1. Cédric Hèle instituut vzw, Bruul 52/4, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium 2. Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Oncology Centre, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium 2. Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Oncology Centre, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium The Cédric Hèle instituut wants to thank the Minister of Healthcare, Minister Jo Vandeurzen and the Minister of Innovation, Minister Ingrid Lieten, for their support and the funding of this project. CHiCOM: An Online Community for Oncology Professionals in Flanders info@cedric-heleinstituut.be www.cedric-heleinstituut.be BACKGROUND METHODS Researchers can announce and publish their research results directly to professionals, which will facilitate implementation in the daily practice. In addition, CHiCOM can be an answer in the search for continuous professional development, in an area where there seems a lack of time and money to be invested in training or networking. High-quality information for oncology professionals will be bundled in one place, and CHiCOM will provide space for interprofessional contact and exchanges. Researchers can announce and publish their research results directly to professionals, which will facilitate implementation in the daily practice. In addition, CHiCOM can be an answer in the search for continuous professional development, in an area where there seems a lack of time and money to be invested in training or networking. High-quality information for oncology professionals will be bundled in one place, and CHiCOM will provide space for interprofessional contact and exchanges. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The community aims to connect the clinical world with scientific researchers. There will be more attention to implementation of research results in the daily practice. The community will facilitate contacts between researchers and clinicians making participation in research more accessible. Researchers will have clearer view of research questions, relevant to the field. The community will help to establish and realize multicentre studies RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS CHiCOM will be an online community to stimulate the exchange of knowledge between health care providers, beyond the borders of the hospitals and organizations. CHiCOM will be an easy to use and secure platform, with close quality control. CHiCOM will have these functionalities: a knowledge library with a listing of research articles and project information in psycho- oncology and a powerful search engine, a clear who's who, a news feed, a forum, a calendar with useful events and training courses, e-learning possibilities,... The last alterations are made. The definitive launch is scheduled at the next Chi event, 11 December ‘14. Come and visit CHiCOM at www.chicom.be or at www.cedric-heleinstituut.be. RESULTS An online community is a relatively new phenomenon within the healthcare industry. A search for similar initiatives provided little to no sites. CHiCOM wants to create an extended network with large possibilities for knowledge sharing for professionals and researchers in oncology. This will enlarge the chance for professionals in oncology to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the specificity of the domain of psycho-oncology, not only of professionals working in hospital-care but also in homecare. CHiCOM will become a bridge of collaboration seeking and information sharing between researchers and clinicians. CONCLUSION