1
|
Morgan S, McKinlay E, Higson M. "Not many people know about us": An interprofessional education learning activity that profiles radiation therapy students. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:101409. [PMID: 38968641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Morgan
- Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Eileen McKinlay
- Division of Health Sciences Centre for Interprofessional Education, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Melissa Higson
- Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua, MidCentral, Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alrawa SS, Elgadi A, Alfadul ESA, Alshikh S, Hammad N, Abdelhafeez A. Undergraduate oncology education in Sudanese public medical schools; a national cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:940. [PMID: 38072981 PMCID: PMC10712034 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer was the fifth leading cause of death in Sudan general hospitals in 2020, and its incidence is increasing. Medical students' cancer education is key in cancer control. Evaluating the current education is the first step in optimizing it. The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate oncology education in Sudan public medical schools as reflected by the graduates of the year 2021-2022. METHOD This was a cross-sectional institution-based study. A validated online questionnaire was sent between 8 September and 11 November 2022 to graduates who were selected using a stratified random sampling technique from 17 Sudan public medical schools. The data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed using R software version 4.2.2 and Microsoft Excel 2022. RESULTS A total of 707 graduates completed the questionnaire. They reported generally poor exposure to oncology. Palliative and radiation oncology in addition to chemotherapy daycare units were never attended by 76.0%, 72.0%, and 72.0% of graduates, respectively. The massed oncology curriculum was associated with increased hours of lectures dictated to medical (p = 0.005), radiation (p < 0.001), and palliative oncology (0.035). It was associated with an increased likelihood of assessment in breaking bad news (p < 0.001), counseling cancer patients (p = 0.015), and oncology-related knowledge (p < 0.001). The massed curriculum was associated with a decrease in interest in pursuing an oncology career (p = 0.037). Students were generally confident in their oncology competencies, and no difference was observed in relation to the curriculum approach (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION This study reflected poor exposure to oncology at the undergraduate level in Sudanese public medical schools. The massed oncology curriculum was associated with formal assessment of oncology-related competencies and better exposure to some disciplines, such as radiation and palliative oncology. Nonetheless, it was associated with decreased interest in an oncology career. In spite of the poor exposure, graduates were confident in their skills in oncology-related competencies. Further objective analysis of competence is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma S Alrawa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Ammar Elgadi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Shahd Alshikh
- Faculty of Medicine, Alzaiem Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sherwood M, Papadakos J, Kulasegaram K, Martimianakis MA, Kucharski E, Giuliani M. Exploring Family Physician Training Needs to Improve Cancer Patient Care. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:1834-1844. [PMID: 37452226 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Family physicians have multifaceted roles in cancer patient care and oncology education among this group is unfortunately inadequate. This study explored the needs and perspectives of family physicians regarding their oncology training and experiences. As well, physician cancer care experiences, knowledge use, and continuing education practices were elucidated. The authors employed a qualitative approach with family physicians participating in semi-structured interviews. General practitioners in oncology were excluded. Purposeful sampling was used, with recruitment through Ontario regional primary cancer care leads and social media. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted. Thirteen participants were interviewed-1.6:1 female: male, ages 30-39, practicing for an average of 9 years (0.5-30 years), with urban and suburban practices. Most trained in Canada as undergraduates and completed their residency in Ontario; 62% had participated in at least one oncology continuing medical education session. Three major themes emerged: delineation of roles, oncology knowledge and education, and palliative care. Participants reported role uncertainty after cancer diagnosis, with oncology teaching at all levels described as lacking relevance. Palliative care rotations were an avenue for oncology education and where participants returned to cancer care. Changing existing teaching, information access, and avenues of oncology experiences may be the next step to supporting successful cancer care by family physicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sherwood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Health Literacy Research Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Institute for Education Research (TIER), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maria A Martimianakis
- Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Kucharski
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Casey House Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- The Institute for Education Research (TIER), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- The Wilson Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng Z, Wang Y, Zhang F, Zhu J, Shen J, Meng Q, Wang B, Zhou B, Tian W, Yu L, Yan J. Impact of Practical Online Lessons on Chinese Medical Students' Perception of Radiation Oncology. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:1918-1924. [PMID: 37673822 PMCID: PMC10656304 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an essential component of oncology treatment. It is imperative that clinicians and medical students have a fundamental understanding of radiotherapy. However, radiation oncology education is deficient worldwide. This study introduced an hour-long online Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) as a supplement to the basic curriculum for 8-year medical students at Peking Union Medical College and Tsinghua University in China. The students' personal opinions and comprehension of radiation oncology therapy were assessed through pre- and post-test questionnaires before and after the MOOC study. The results indicated that the percentage of students interested in radiotherapy increased, and their knowledge of radiotherapy significantly improved after the online MOOC study, suggesting that short-term MOOC study may stimulate students' interest in learning and improving their knowledge of radiation therapy. The study suggests that the combination of online and offline teaching may be a feasible way to develop radiation oncology education in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziye Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Peking Union Medical College, M.D. Program, No. 9 Dongdansantiao, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fuquan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qingyu Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Junfang Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oettle M, Büttner M, Forster M, Gajdi L, Mücke J, Nieto A, Heuser S, Huber J, Walter F, Corradini S, Niyazi M, Belka C, Dreyling M, Fischer MR, Fleischmann DF. Principles of oncology taught in a one-week course. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17071-17079. [PMID: 37750957 PMCID: PMC10657289 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05377-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing challenges in oncology require evolving educational methods and content. International efforts to reform oncology education are underway. Hands-on, interdisciplinary, and compact course formats have shown great effectiveness in the education of medical students. Our aim was to establish a new interdisciplinary one-week course on the principles of oncology using state-of-the-art teaching methods. METHODS In an initial survey, medical students of LMU Munich were questioned about their current level of knowledge on the principles of oncology. In a second two-stage survey, the increase in knowledge resulting from our recently established interdisciplinary one-week course was determined. RESULTS The medical students' knowledge of clinically important oncological topics, such as the diagnostic workup and interdisciplinary treatment options, showed a need for improvement. Knowledge of the major oncological entities was also in an expandable state. By attending the one-week course on the principles of oncology, students improved their expertise in all areas of the clinical workup in oncology and had the opportunity to close previous knowledge gaps. In addition, students were able to gain more in-depth clinical knowledge on the most common oncological entities. CONCLUSION The interdisciplinary one-week course on the principles of oncology proved to be an effective teaching method to expand the knowledge of the future physicians to an appropriate level. With its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, the one-week course could be used as a showcase project for the ongoing development of medical education in Germany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Oettle
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Büttner
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marie Forster
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Gajdi
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Mücke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Nieto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Heuser
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Huber
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Walter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Niyazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dreyling
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin R Fischer
- Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sherwood M, Giannopoulos E, Papadakos J, Martimianakis MA, Kulasegaram K, Giuliani M. Clinical Objectives of the Canadian Licensing Examination: Exploring the Representation of Oncology. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:255-259. [PMID: 34708392 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02108-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Every physician should be comfortable caring for cancer patients, yet medical education in oncology is known as inadequate. Our study explored this issue from an assessment perspective, by determining the representation of oncology and other health priorities in the clinical learning objectives for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE Part 1). The Medical Council of Canada lists objectives for the MCCQE Part 1, based on CanMEDS roles for medical graduate competency. These objectives guide exam question development and can be used as a study guide for learners. Our study focused on the Medical Expert role and mapped the clinical objectives for oncologic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and chronic lower respiratory disease. The clinical objectives contained 190 topics under the Medical Expert role. Oncology content was found in 57 (30%), cardiovascular disease in 56 (29.5%), cerebrovascular disease in 21 (11%) and chronic lower respiratory disease in 7 (3.7%). In objectives with oncology content, gastrointestinal cancer (16, 28%), non-specific indicators of cancer (7, 12%) and genitourinary/musculoskeletal cancers (6, 10.5%) were most frequent. Content coding had inter-rater agreement greater than 99%, with kappas from 0.73 to 1.00. Oncology was highly represented in the clinical objectives listed for the MCCQE Part 1. With existing research showing limited oncology content on examinations and in medical curricula, our results were unexpected. This finding could signal the efficacy of initiatives seeking to improve oncology education and emphasizes the importance of continuing improvements in oncology education to meet patient and healthcare system needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sherwood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Radiation Medicine Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z5, Canada.
| | - Eleni Giannopoulos
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria A Martimianakis
- Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kulamakan Kulasegaram
- Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z5, Canada
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khoury EG, Heritage SR, Fulton-Ward T, Joseph PJS, Keshwara SM, Selby P. BONUS: the National Oncology Network for Students and Junior Doctors. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:678-682. [PMID: 35811271 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E G Khoury
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - S R Heritage
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Fulton-Ward
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - P J S Joseph
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - S M Keshwara
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; Whiston Hospital, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot, UK
| | - P Selby
- British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies, UK; University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Heritage SR, Lynch-Kelly K, Kalvala J, Tulloch R, Devasar A, Harewood J, Khoury E, Abdelwahed A, Fung A, Bigogno CM, Gray R, Keshwara S, Joseph PJS, Selby P, Tharmalingam H. Medical Student Perspectives on Undergraduate Oncology Education in the UK. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:e355-e364. [PMID: 35595594 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS) surveyed students who attended an oncology revision day to determine their views on the current quantity, quality and type of curriculum-based oncology teaching they have experienced. MATERIALS AND METHODS Students attending two BONUS revision days received a questionnaire assessing their experience of oncology teaching within the medical curriculum and interest in pursuing a future career in oncology using a 10-point Likert scale. Data were collected with informed consent to be anonymised and used for research. Student demographics and qualitative and quantitative data about experiences of oncology education were analysed. RESULTS In total, 451 students registered to attend the revision days. After removal of duplicates, non-responders and non-UK participants, responses from 153 students studying across years 1-6 at 22 UK medical schools were analysed. The mean quantity of oncology lectures students reported receiving was 8.9 hours and the mean quantity of clinic/ward-based oncology teaching was 7.5 hours. Ninety (62.1%) of the 145 students who responded to the relevant question reported that they had received dedicated teaching in oncology. Students who had received dedicated oncology teaching reported a statistically significantly higher mean quality 6.1 (95% confidence interval 5.6-6.5) versus 5.0 (95% confidence interval 4.3-5.5; P = 0.003) and quantity 5.2 (95% confidence interval 4.7-5.6) versus 4.3 (95% confidence interval 3.7-4.9; P = 0.03) of oncology teaching compared with those who had not received this. CONCLUSION Appropriate oncology education is essential for all medical students due to the high prevalence of cancer. All future doctors need the appropriate knowledge and communication skills to care for cancer patients. Our analysis provides quantitative evidence to support the value of specialist oncology teaching within the medical school curriculum in improving student-reported experience. National student-led revision days and events may widen interest in a future career in oncology and aid collaboration between oncology societies. It is important for the general undergraduate medical curriculum to integrate specialty content. An integrated curriculum should facilitate a holistic approach that spans prevention, screening, treatment and palliation rather than being split by subspeciality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Heritage
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - K Lynch-Kelly
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Kalvala
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - R Tulloch
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - A Devasar
- Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Harewood
- School of Medical Education, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - E Khoury
- School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Abdelwahed
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Fung
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - C M Bigogno
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - R Gray
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - S Keshwara
- Whiston Hospital, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot, UK
| | - P J S Joseph
- School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - P Selby
- University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Swanton C, Morris L, Agustin C, Brown A, Turner S. Improving medical student education in radiation oncology: Integrating and evaluating an experiential interdisciplinary workshop into the medical student curriculum. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:688-693. [PMID: 35253393 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Swanton
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Lucinda Morris
- St. George Hospital Cancer Care Centre Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Cherry Agustin
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alison Brown
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Sandra Turner
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Eren MF, Eren AA. Do radiation oncologists publish what they present? An observational analysis of abstracts presented at the radiation oncology congresses in Turkey: A young radiation oncologists group study. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:817-824. [DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_1794_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
11
|
Walls GM, Houlihan OA, Mooney C, Prince R, Spencer K, Lyons C, Cole AJ, McAleer JJ, Jones CM. Radiation oncology teaching provision and practice prior to and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in medical schools in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20210614. [PMID: 34705530 PMCID: PMC8631035 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment modality but is poorly understood by doctors. We sought to evaluate radiation oncology (RO) teaching in medical schools within the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (RoI), as well as any impacts on RO teaching delivery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS A bespoke online survey instrument was developed, piloted and distributed to oncology teaching leads at all UK and RoI medical schools. Questions were designed to capture information on the structure, format, content and faculty for RO teaching, as well as both the actual and the predicted short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19. RESULTS Responses were received from 29/41 (71%) UK and 5/6 (83%) RoI medical schools. Pre-clinical and clinical oncology teaching was delivered over a median of 2 weeks (IQR 1-6), although only 9 (27%) of 34 responding medical schools had a standalone RO module. RO teaching was most commonly delivered in clinics or wards (n = 26 and 25 respectively). Few medical schools provided teaching on the biological basis for radiotherapy (n = 11) or the RO career pathway (n = 8), and few provide teaching delivered by non-medical RO multidisciplinary team members. There was evidence of short- and long-term disruption to RO teaching from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS RO teaching in the UK and RoI is limited with minimal coverage of relevant theoretical principles and little exposure to radiotherapy departments and their non-medical team members. The COVID-19 pandemic risks exacerbating trainee doctors' already constrained exposure to radiotherapy. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This study provides the first analysis of radiotherapy-related teaching in the UK and RoI, and the first to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiationoncology teaching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca Prince
- Radiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Ciara Lyons
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arbab M, Holmes JA, Olivier KR, Fields EC, Corbin KS, Kahn JM, Zellars RC, Haywood AM. Integrating Radiation Oncology Into Undergraduate Medical Education. Adv Radiat Oncol 2021; 6:100765. [PMID: 34522827 PMCID: PMC8426518 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important public health problems. However, medical education has not advanced at the same rate when it comes to cancer education. Currently, the United States Medical Licensing Examination subject examinations do not cover radiation oncology, prevention, and survivorship planning in its assessment model. Incorporating medical oncology and radiation oncology training into the undergraduate medical education curriculum can have a significant benefit in training future physicians. In this paper, we review current literature and propose some ideas that can help incorporate oncology, and specifically radiation oncology, into undergraduate medical education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Arbab
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jordan A Holmes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Emma C Fields
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Jenna M Kahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Richard C Zellars
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Antwione M Haywood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chelvarajah R, Windsor A, Nicholls L, Bravery B, Shi K, Turner S, Tieu MT. Junior Doctor Evaluation of Radiation Oncology Education and Training in Medical Schools and Prevocational Training in Australia. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2021; 36:646-651. [PMID: 31873855 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-019-01678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiation oncology (RO)-specific education, confidence and knowledge of junior doctors in Australian teaching hospitals. A 38-item web-based survey was emailed to prevocational junior doctors working in Australian hospitals in New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland (QLD) between November 2017 and January 2018. The survey evaluated RO educational and clinical exposure of participants during medical school, and prevocational training and their confidence and knowledge of the specialty. A total of 183 respondents across 17 Australian hospital networks completed the survey. During medical school, 53.4% had RO incorporated into their formal curriculum, 19.5% had no formal lectures and 51.7% had never visited a RO department. As a junior doctor, 73.8% of respondents did not receive any formal RO education. When compared with other oncology specialties, fewer junior doctors were confident in consulting the RO team (21.0%) compared with medical oncology (42.0%), palliative care (75.2%) and haematology (40.1%). Majority of respondents (61.6%) showed limited understanding of radiation safety. On multivariate sub-group analysis, both confidence and knowledge in RO improved when RO was incorporated into the formal medical school curriculum. This survey highlights the current low confidence and poor knowledge standard amongst Australian junior doctors on RO due to inadequate teaching during medical school and prevocational training and suggests improvement through standardisation of formal RO curriculum teaching within medical school and prevocational training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Revadhi Chelvarajah
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, New South Wales, 2170, Australia.
| | - Apsara Windsor
- Central Coast Cancer Centre, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke Nicholls
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben Bravery
- Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital, Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Shi
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Turner
- Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minh Thi Tieu
- School of Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Siau E, Salazar H, Livergant J, Klein J. Non-oncologist Physician Knowledge of Radiation Therapy at an Urban Community Hospital. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2021; 36:199-206. [PMID: 31605283 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-019-01618-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is a crucial part of cancer care, but previous work suggests that many non-radiation oncologist physicians are uncomfortable referring for RT. To evaluate training and understanding of RT, the authors sent invitations to complete an online questionnaire to all physicians at a community hospital in Bronx, NY, which asked about oncology training and self-rated and objective knowledge of RT. Out of 247 invited participants, 87 responded (35%). Among responders, 19 were attending physicians (22%) and 66 (76%) were residents. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported caring for > 5 cancer patients in the past month, but 54% reported never referring patients for RT. Sixty-nine percent of respondents stated they received no radiation oncology training in medical school, and 36% reported no general oncology training. Approximately half believed themselves to be "somewhat knowledgeable" about RT indications (48%), benefits (53%), and side effects (55%). Objective assessment mean score was 6.2/12 (median 7) for all respondents; Respondents with internal medicine specialization scored higher than others (mean 7.7 vs 3.5; p < 0.01). Scores did not differ between attending and resident physicians, resident post-graduate levels, or receiving oncology training in medical school. The factors most commonly cited as affecting RT referral decisions were type of cancer, patient wishes, family wishes, poor functional status, and life expectancy. Many physicians are unaware of RT effectiveness or indications, which may affect referral patterns. Previous oncology training was not associated with higher knowledge scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Siau
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, SBH Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Livergant
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of British Columbia and BC Cancer, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|