Paradigm Shift - Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service (CIRCS) Cancer Education Program
Introduction
Telehealth improves equitable access to care which is a major ethical benefit for patients (Australian College of Rural and Remote Care: 2012). CIRCS is committed to providing health professionals with access to standardised education and ongoing support to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to deliver optimal cancer care closer to home. The expansion of Telehealth infrastructure across Queensland enabled the evolution of the CIRCS Cancer Education Program in order to provide equitable access to education and reduce variation in clinical practice.
Objectives/Aims
To shift the paradigm of education delivery from face-to-face to Telehealth by providing access to evidence based quality cancer education and information to health professionals regardless of their geographical location.
Description/Methodology
CIRCS Cancer Education Program encompasses theoretical workshops and competency based assessment opportunities. Initially delivered face-to-face it was identified that this model was not sustainable due to travel costs/time and small participant numbers at individual sites therefore the option of Telehealth delivery was explored.
The shift from face-to-face to Telehealth delivery required consideration of:
o Telehealth training
o Equipment availability
o Appropriate room selection
o Modification of information delivery to maintain an inclusive and interactive learning experience
Results
Over 400 participants attended training via the face-to-face model during 2013. Providing interactive Telehealth sessions that equate to face-to-face delivery resulted in participant numbers doubling in 2014 with over 20 sites participating at any one time. Program evaluation was positive with an average of 4 on a Likert Scale of 1 – 5. Participants identified key program strengths as reduced travel and a focus on standardised clinical practice.
Conclusion
A successful paradigm shift was achieved and the results demonstrate that Telehealth is a viable option to deliver quality clinical education across vast distances.