A Grant-Based Experiment to Train Clinical Investigators: The AACR/ASCO Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop

Defining the Educational Needs for a Community-Based Hematology/Oncology Career: A National Needs Assessment

PURPOSE

Little is known about the specific needs during training for hematology/oncology providers practicing in community-based settings. We conducted a national survey of hematologists/oncologists employed in community or academic-community hybrid settings to delineate their educational needs.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was developed and distributed nationally through professional organizations. We primarily assessed whether survey participants received any specific training during fellowship for community-based practice. Participants were also surveyed regarding training experiences that might have affected their preparation. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with receiving training specifically for community-based settings.

RESULTS

Of 125 participants from across 25 states, 63% were male and 58% identified as White. Less than half (41.6%, binomial 95% CI, 32.8 to 50.7) received any training in a community-based setting. Participants identified rotations in community settings (47%), direct mentorship from community-based physicians (40%), and longitudinal clinic in a community setting (36%) as experiences that would have been valuable. Specific curricula of interest included medical operations and administration (63%), health policy (35%), and quality improvement (27%). Respondents in clinical practice for <10 years were more likely to have received any training specifically for a community-based career (RR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.18 to 3.86]).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates substantial unmet needs as they relate to deliberately training fellows destined for community-based careers. Prospective design of clinical training and curricula emphasizing longitudinal exposures to and key aspects of health care delivery in the community setting are paramount to achieving optimal goal-concordant hematology/oncology training during fellowship.

Evaluation of an intensive workshop on research methods in supportive oncology

OBJECTIVES

Since 2015, the Harvard Workshop on Research Methods in Supportive Oncology has trained early-career investigators in skills to develop rigorous studies in supportive oncology. This study examines workshop evaluations over time in the context of two factors: longitudinal participant feedback and a switch from in-person to virtual format during the COVID pandemic.

METHODS

We examined post-workshop evaluations for participants who attended the workshop from 2015 to 2021. We qualitatively analyzed evaluation free text responses on ways in which the workshop could be improved and "other comments." Potential areas of improvement were categorized and frequencies were compiled longitudinally. Differences in participants' ratings of the workshop and demographics between in-person and virtual formats were investigated with t-tests and Chi-square tests, respectively.

RESULTS

286 participants attended the workshop over 8 years. Participant ratings of the workshop remained consistently high without substantial variation across all years. Three main themes emerged from the "other comments" item: (1) sense of community; (2) passion and empowerment; and (3) value of protected time. Participants appeared to identify fewer areas for improvement over time. There were no significant differences in participant ratings or demographics between the in-person and virtual formats.

SIGNIFINACE OF RESULTS

While the workshop has experienced changes over time, participant evaluations varied little. The core content and structure might have the greatest influence on participants' experiences.

Building Capacity for Cancer Research in the Era of COVID-19: Implementation and Results From an International Virtual Clinical Research Training Program in Zambia

The incidence of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, yet cancer research in the region continues to lag. One contributing factor is limited exposure to clinical research among trainees. We describe implementation and results of a virtual clinical research training program for Zambian clinical oncology fellows developed jointly by the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia and the MD Anderson Cancer Center to address this need.