Aim
There is a growing number of people living with and beyond cancer. Primary care practitioners (PCP) will play an important role in the care of cancer survivors however there is seemingly a lack of knowledge in this area. The Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioners program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of PCPs in the transition of survivors from oncology treatment into shared care.
Methods
The program was developed in consultation with a multidisciplinary steering group and educational experts in curriculum development, design and evaluation. A flexible online platform was identified as the most appropriate modality to engage the target audience with optional face to face workshops. Aimed at primary healthcare practitioners including General Practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals; the program was developed to adhere to best practice survivorship care in the areas of: Survivorship Fundamentals; Communication and Coordination of Care; Surveillance, Late and Long-Term Effects; Palliative Care and New Cancer Therapies.
An online evaluation was distributed to all participants after their completion of the program, measuring the effect of participation in the online and workshop on confidence, knowledge and intention to change practice.
Results
The program delivered a four-week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to a registration of over 1000 participants from around the globe and a local representation of over 50 attended the face to face workshops. Participation in either the MOOC, workshop or both programs together envisage a positive impact on the confidence, awareness, knowledge and intention to change practice for all participating craft groups. These results / outcomes will be reported.
Conclusion
Best practice survivorship care promotes the formation and consolidation of a collaborative, interdisciplinary care team who are sensitive and responsive to each individual and their needs. The program delivers an innovative, interactive, flexible and free professional development opportunity for PCPs in response to the evolving population health landscape.
The development and delivery of this program has been proudly supported by the Victorian Cancer Survivorship Program.