Background
With improved outcomes for people with cancer, cancer survivorship is a rapidly expanding field in healthcare. The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre has identified the need to develop more resources in this area. This study describes the development and evaluation of an online educational survivorship resource.
Methods
A multidisciplinary team created an educational framework and defined learning outcomes focused on improving the cancer workforce’s survivorship knowledge. Six learning modules were developed via expert consultation, incorporation of current evidence for best practice, and review by the team.
The team developed qualitative survey and telephone interview questions for the study evaluation. Purposive participant recruitment was done via e-mail invitation to healthcare professional databases from centres involved in the study (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Queensland University of Technology). An open invitation to the study was displayed on the new educational website.
Results
The Cancer Learning survivorship resource contains six online modules: Cancer Survivorship Fundamentals, Key Elements of Cancer Survivorship Care, Toolbox for providing cancer survivorship care, Managing Common Health Concerns, Promoting Self-Management and Promoting Wellness. The modules contain videos, quizzes, and case scenarios to offer varied interactive learning.
Nineteen online surveys and nine telephone interviews were completed (nurse = 18, Occupational Therapist = 3, Medical Oncologist = 2, Other = 5). The main findings identified that the majority of participants learned new information from the survivorship resources; found the information was applicable to practice; the website format was generally well-received; and stated they would recommend the site to colleagues.
Conclusion
The findings from this study reflect a desire by healthcare professionals to improve knowledge and practice in survivorship care, and that accessible, interactive resources like the Cancer Learning, survivorship site may assist in doing so. This study highlights the value of developing well-structured and current survivorship resources.