Internet and web-based programs are becoming increasingly important resources in career training, including for oncology nursing.
However, training in supportive oncology can still pose challenges. Researchers studied how institutions used web-based oncology training for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and presented their findings on Monday, June 4, at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.
The study, which was funded by the Coleman Foundation, included more than 30 clinicians from 25 institutions (academic, community, and safety net). The group developed an easy-to-use, online supportive oncology training curriculum.
Researchers evaluated completion rates of survivorship and supportive oncology education courses (see Table 1) using simple frequencies, based on data provided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Continuing Education team.
Results showed that more than 4,748 online courses were completed of 7,184 courses accessed (66%). “Course completion” was defined as fulfilling each of the following steps:
- Pretest
- Course
- Post-test
- Evaluation
Of the 4,748 completed courses, nurses completed 45%, physicians completed 17%, advance practice clinicians completed 16%, and others (e.g., social workers, chaplains) completed 22%. When articles describing collaborative work were published in oncology nursing periodicals, the course completion rate improved to 69% (p = 0.0014).
“A variety of HCPs successfully completed supportive oncology education via the NCCN’s education portal,” the authors said. “These online courses are an efficient way to train HCPs in supportive oncology. Curriculum advertising improves course completion.”
ONS provides online courses for oncology nurses addressing all areas of practice, from chemotherapy administration to certification review prep to breast cancer care to cancer biology and more. Browse the full course listing.
Table 1. Online Education Courses and Completion Rates
|
Education Course |
Accessed |
Completed |
Completion Rate |
|
Distress: Impact on Care, Screening For, and Addressing |
621 |
456 |
73% |
|
Survivorship Factors: Lifestyle/Behavior, Psychosocial Challenges, Late and Long-Term Effects |
569 |
404 |
71% |
|
Primary Palliative Care Versus Specialized Palliative Care and Reasons to Refer to Hospice and Palliative Care |
465 |
324 |
70% |
|
Cancer Survivorship Defined, Patient Needs, and CoC Requirements for Care Plans |
584 |
405 |
69% |
|
Supportive Care and Documenting Patients’ Supportive Needs |
507 |
350 |
69% |
|
How to Discuss Practical and Family Concerns |
384 |
263 |
68% |
|
Comprehensive Care for Cancer Survivors |
485 |
326 |
67% |
|
Cancer Survivor Screening and Genetic Testing |
523 |
341 |
65% |
|
Pain Assessment: The Basics |
542 |
352 |
65% |
|
Nausea/Vomiting, Constipation, Dyspnea, and Shortness of Breath |
690 |
441 |
64% |
|
Goals of Care and Advance Care Planning Over Time |
408 |
248 |
61% |
|
Pain Management: Beyond the Basics |
619 |
373 |
60% |
|
POLST Paradigm: Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Paradigm |
284 |
169 |
60% |
|
How to Communicate Prognosis |
503 |
296 |
59% |
|
TOTALS |
7,184 |
4,748 |
66% |