Aims
The Clinical Placement Program in Cancer Survivorship (CPPiCS) aims to improve access to quality survivorship care by enhancing the capacity of primary care to deliver appropriate care. Specific aims of the program are to increase provider knowledge and confidence to deliver survivorship care, and to enhance links between primary care and hospital-based professionals.
Methods
Placement participation is open to primary care professionals including general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses and allied health professionals. Hospital placements are determined by practice location and applicants’ area of interest. The program involves attendance at 2-3 specialist clinics and one multidisciplinary meeting (up to 10 hours). Participants complete pre- and post-placement surveys to set and reflect on learning goals, assess perceptions of the program and measure knowledge and confidence.
Results
Eight tertiary hospitals are involved, offering 144 specialist clinics across 16 different cancer services. To date total of 98 participants (51 GPs, 22 practice nurses and 25 allied health professionals) have enrolled in the program, and 40 have completed (at October 24 2018). Response rates were 85% (83/98) and 83% (33/40) to pre- and post-placement surveys, respectively. The main learning goals identified were to improve confidence to deliver survivorship care, increase knowledge about cancer treatments, increase knowledge regarding management of long-term and late effects, establish relationships with specialists, and better understand the patient experience; 64% reported these goals had been entirely met. Comparison of pre- and post- responses showed mean scores for all knowledge items increased. Following the program, 91% (30/33) reported increased confidence, 85% (28/33) agreed they had opportunities to enhance clinical relationships, and 91% (30/33) agreed the program was relevant to practice.
Conclusion
The CPPiCS is highly regarded by primary care participants, led to increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care, and provided opportunities to strengthen relationships between primary care and cancer specialists.