European Cancer Summit 2022 submission for Workforce NetworkWhat is it valuable for trainees in Interprofessional education in cancer care: a qualitative approach

Abstract

BackgroundThe INTERACT Europe project is developing an inter-specialty oncology curriculum. As part of this project the team wanted to explore, “What is it valuable for trainees to learn in order to work more effectively with different specialties and professions to deliver better care and to provide psychosocial and nutritional support for cancer patients?”.To answer some of the concerns a learning needs analysis with a questionnaire was distributed to develop the curriculum on what health care professionals require to care for people affected by cancer and their family. This study reports the qualitative aspects of this questionnaire. MethodsThe qualitative data which consisted of eight questions and was transcribed verbatim using thematic analysis1. The transcripts were read until the project team were familiar with the content and analysed to identify emerging themes. The themes were compared, and any discrepancies discussed in more detail with all the participants from the INTERACT working package. The team then conducted a cross analysis and mapped the themes to derive overlapping concepts which then informed the curriculum. Results115 respondents from the 219 participants answered some or all the qualitative survey questions. Respondents were from all around Europe and had representation from different professions including doctors, nurses and patient advocates and from a large range of clinical experience (from newly qualified to more than 15 years of experience).Fifteen themes were initially identified during initial coding. After comparison and discussion with all the co-investigators they were merged into 5 themes that included: “Unsure of Interprofessional education meaning”, “Barriers and challenges”, “open channels of communication and respect”, “support throughout the cancer journey “and “new way of working” ConclusionsThe results of the survey alongside the quantitative part will serve to build the curriculum of interprofessional training in cancer care. Participants identified many obstacles in their actual practices to use interprofessional training, but the value to improve teamwork, communication and to improve patient experience and treatment was also captured.