A clinical placement program for primary care professionals at a comprehensive cancer centre.

Abstract

44 Background: Primary care physicians (PCPs) and primary care nurses (PCNs) are likely to have a critical role in providing care for cancer survivors, especially following the end of cancer treatments. Generalists (PCPs and PCNs) express a need for information and training in post-treatment care. Based on models in other contexts a clinical placement program was developed at a comprehensive cancer centre to determine (1) its feasibility and acceptability, and (2) whether learning needs were met. Methods: Five clinical services (breast, lower gastro-intestinal, urology, skin and melanoma, late effects) participated. The program was advertised to generalists, intending to recruit 5 PCPs and 10 PCNs. Generalists received professional development points and partial reimbursement for lost income through a stipend. Pre-placement educational materials were provided. Participants were interviewed one-on-one pre and post-placement. The relevant human research ethics committee approved all aspects of the project. Results: The program exceeded recruitment goals: 16 PCPs, 12 PCNs and 9 oncologists participated. Generalists rated the placement highly: program learning outcomes entirely (63%) or partially (37%) met; personal learning needs entirely (70%) or partially met (30%); relevance to practice entirely (89%), partially (11%). Consistent themes from interviews: generalists would recommend the program to colleagues and could identify knowledge and skills transfer, however learning was largely by observation, rather than participation. Learning opportunities were skewed toward generalists, rather than oncologists. All participants showed enthusiasm to address the challenges of providing shared care for survivors. Conclusions: A clinical placement program for generalists is feasible and highly regarded. Participants described challenges to providing quality post-treatment shared care, but a willingness to address these. Future programs should consider the learning needs of cancer centre professionals.