Amanda Piper1,2, Leisa Leon3, Helana Kelly3, Ashlee Bailey3, Georgina Wiley3, Karolina Lisy3,4, Liz Simkiss5, Michael Jefford3,6. 1. Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre - A Richard Pratt Legacy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Amanda.Piper@cancervic.org.au. 2. , Melbourne, Australia. Amanda.Piper@cancervic.org.au. 3. Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre - A Richard Pratt Legacy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 4. Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 6. Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The growing population of cancer survivors indicates an increasing role for primary care practitioners (PCPs). Building on two pilot initiatives, we sought to demonstrate feasibility of a state-wide program of short observational placements for PCPs and identify changes in knowledge and confidence to deliver survivorship care. METHODS: Placements were offered at hospitals with oncology departments across Victoria, Australia. Participants attended a multidisciplinary team meeting and a minimum of two outpatient clinics. Participation targets included at least 70 general practitioners (GPs), 15 practice nurses (PNs) and 15 allied health professionals (AHPs). Mixed methods evaluation included pre- and post-placement surveys. RESULTS: The program was successfully delivered across eight sites; 148 PCPs enrolled, 58 PCPs withdrew and ultimately 90 PCPs (53 GPs, 15 PNs and 22 AHPs) completed a total of 224 placements. Ninety-two percent (81/89) of participants reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care, 87% (78/89) agreed they had opportunities to enhance clinical relationships with specialist teams and 93% (83/89) agreed the program was relevant to their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Building on previous pilots, this third iteration demonstrated the program is sustainable across multiple health services and geographical locations. PCPs reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care and that the program provided opportunities to strengthen relationships between primary care and cancer specialists. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A placement program within tertiary cancer centres offers a feasible, transferable model to build PCP knowledge and confidence to deliver appropriate and quality survivorship care.
PURPOSE: The growing population of cancer survivors indicates an increasing role for primary care practitioners (PCPs). Building on two pilot initiatives, we sought to demonstrate feasibility of a state-wide program of short observational placements for PCPs and identify changes in knowledge and confidence to deliver survivorship care. METHODS: Placements were offered at hospitals with oncology departments across Victoria, Australia. Participants attended a multidisciplinary team meeting and a minimum of two outpatient clinics. Participation targets included at least 70 general practitioners (GPs), 15 practice nurses (PNs) and 15 allied health professionals (AHPs). Mixed methods evaluation included pre- and post-placement surveys. RESULTS: The program was successfully delivered across eight sites; 148 PCPs enrolled, 58 PCPs withdrew and ultimately 90 PCPs (53 GPs, 15 PNs and 22 AHPs) completed a total of 224 placements. Ninety-two percent (81/89) of participants reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care, 87% (78/89) agreed they had opportunities to enhance clinical relationships with specialist teams and 93% (83/89) agreed the program was relevant to their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Building on previous pilots, this third iteration demonstrated the program is sustainable across multiple health services and geographical locations. PCPs reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care and that the program provided opportunities to strengthen relationships between primary care and cancer specialists. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A placement program within tertiary cancer centres offers a feasible, transferable model to build PCP knowledge and confidence to deliver appropriate and quality survivorship care.
Entities:
Keywords:
Neoplasms; primary health care; survivors
Authors: Raymond J Chan; Oluwaseyifunmi Andi Agbejule; Patsy M Yates; Jon Emery; Michael Jefford; Bogda Koczwara; Nicolas H Hart; Megan Crichton; Larissa Nekhlyudov Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2021-03-24 Impact factor: 4.062