Organizational partnership to expand the ASCO Quality Training Program to oncology pharmacists.

Abstract

198 Background: Pharmacists have a recognized role in optimizing medication management and enhancing patient quality of care. In an effort to enhance knowledge related to oncology quality improvement (QI), the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) partnered with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Training Program (QTP) to provide a 1-day HOPA-ASCO QTP Workshop. Methods: HOPA’s Quality Oversight Committee identified several areas of priority focus, including identifying and developing opportunities for members to participate in education focused on oncology value and quality-based patient care. The ASCO QTP program most closely met HOPA goals for training due to the practical outcomes associated with the program, the interdisciplinary focus, the successful experience of prior HOPA-member participants, and expertise of the faculty. In addition, both organizations have a unified goal in improving the care of cancer patients. Surveys were formulated to assess knowledge pre- and post-participation and actionable efforts participants made given knowledge gained from the workshop. Results: A total of 24 HOPA members participated in the 1-day workshop with 40% having been in oncology practice for 15+ years and 70% involved in some aspect of QI within their role. Primary reasons for participation were – to help lead oncology multidisciplinary initiatives in my organization (44%), to increase skills to complete QI projects (28%), and to help lead oncology pharmacy practitioners in my organization (20%). Measures of knowledge and competence increased after participation. Knowledge increased by an average of 3 points from 4.57 to 7.55 (0-10 scale) and competence increased an average of 2.8 points from 4.48 to 7.32. In a 3-month follow-up survey (67% response rate), the majority (93%) of participants indicated they were very likely or extremely likely to use the skills gained from the workshop in practice and 88% of respondents indicated they used the skills gained from the program somewhat often, very often or extremely often. Since the 9 months from the workshop, 2 pharmacists who participated have enrolled in the ASCO QTP 6-month course. Conclusions: The 1-day HOPA-ASCO QTP Workshop proved to be a successful partnership between the two organizations, providing excellent training and education to HOPA members. Next steps of this collaboration include additional 1-day workshops available to more members and a modified 6-month ASCO QTP program for HOPA members with oncology pharmacists serving as the interdisciplinary team leader.