A collaborative model for continuing medical education: Impact of a distance learning curriculum for existing radiation oncology centers in Africa and Latin America.

Abstract

11007 Background: We aimed to evaluate the outcomes and generalizability of a distance learning curriculum on intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), a course developed for radiotherapy clinics across Africa and Latin America (LATAM) at no cost, as measured by a knowledge-based multiple-choice exam, learner self-evaluation, and open-ended feedback. Methods: Following needs identification studies, a curriculum entitled “IMRT 2.0” was created for an audience that included medical physicists, radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, and trainees. Volunteer educators delivered 27 hour-long sessions 1-2 times weekly for four months using video conferencing to African and LATAM programs in English and Spanish, respectively. Recordings and educational materials were shared following each session. Pre- and post-course multiple choice examinations were administered to LATAM participants, and pre- and post-course Likert scale self-evaluation and open-ended feedback were collected for both programs. Paired sample t-tests and chi-squared tests were performed for all available paired quantitative and categorical data, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient, multivariate linear regression, and spline regression models were used to explore impact of course attendance on outcomes. Results: 25 centers across Africa (12 + 1 sister institution in Pakistan) and LATAM (12) were recruited, the majority (92%) of which were recently transitioning or planning to transition to IMRT, yielding a total of 332 enrolled participants. 27 sessions were delivered with a mean of 44 (std dev 22.5) and 85 (std dev 25.4) participants per session for the African and LATAM programs, respectively. Paired pre- and post-course data demonstrated significant improvement in both knowledge (n = 51, p <.001) and overall self-confidence (n = 85, p <.001). Synchronous participation did not predict greater score improvement or increase in self-confidence. Thematic analysis suggests that participants found great value in this course and look forward to future learning. Conclusions: A volunteer-driven course on IMRT is generalizable across regions in different languages and serves as an effective hub to arm participating centers with the knowledge and confidence they need to enhance patient care at their institutions. This benefit may propagate as participants become the next generation of trainers. Other fields and specialties aiming to reduce global health care disparities through training efforts could consider adopting this approach.