An educational program to improve cancer survivorship research.

Abstract

94 Background: ASCO has recognized the need to expand its educational portfolio to focus on long-term care of cancer survivors. Academic programs across health care professions overlook this topic in their curricula. To address this gap, we developed a survivorship research internship for undergraduate students enrolled in public health or health education programs. Here we present the results of an evaluation to assess the level of satisfaction of trainees and improve the curriculum. Methods: All students who completed the internship were eligible to participate in the evaluation. The authors conducted the survey using an electronic data system. Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with the curriculum and specific assignments, i.e. conducting their own survivorship research project, taking classes about PubMed or EndNotes, and abstracting data from medical records to use in survivorship care plans. Other measures were whether a trainee had written/published an abstract/manuscript, pursued an advanced degree, or obtained a job in health care after completing the program. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results. Results: An 85% response rate was achieved (34/40 respondents). The majority were female (82.4%), Caucasian (56.3%), and enrolled in public health programs (41.2%). Almost all respondents (90.9%) strongly agreed or agreed they had a better understanding of the process needed to conduct survivorship research. 50.0% reported being most satisfied with the internship experience. 36.4% reported data abstraction and participating in PubMed or EndNotes classes were least useful. 35.3% reported observing health care professionals in the clinical setting was the most useful. 88.2% strongly agreed or agreed that the training was useful in their current work position.18.8% have achieved advanced degrees in medicine, nursing, or public health. Two of the 34 trainees have published a paper in a peer-reviewed journal or presented a poster at a scientific conference. Conclusions: Results indicated the vast majority of trainees had a positive experience engaging in the survivorship research internship. This strategy is one method that can be used to build and enhance education in survivorship care and research.