Background
The Australian Cancer Plan identified the importance of improving cancer outcomes for all Australians. Unfortunately, significant disparities in cancer care between metropolitan and regional areas exist, an issue compounded by systematic issues such as workforce shortages and increasing demand for services. In response to this, the VCCC Alliance is developing a National Education Support Strategy aimed at meeting the specific learning needs of health professionals working in rural and regional cancer care across Australia.
Methods
The strategy is guided by a National Steering Group with representation from all states and territories. Early program design has been informed by a Victorian cancer workforce needs analysis, with a broader national needs assessment currently underway by the VCCC Alliance. Project activities include the Regional Cancer Forum bimonthly webinar series, RECAP (Regional, Evidence, Collaboration and Practice) ‘Author in the Room’ Journal Club, a digital education resource hub and a community of practice. Activities are led by regional stakeholder experts, including individuals with lived experience.
Impact on Practice:
Through leveraging digital platforms and fostering regional partnerships, the impacts of the program will directly affect participating healthcare professionals, researchers, educators and individuals with lived experience. Anticipated impacts of the project include expanding access to quality and tailored cancer education and increased opportunities for collaboration, connection, professional development and knowledge exchange. Early pre-post survey results from the Regional Cancer Forum series show promising results, including increased knowledge improvement, confidence and relevance of content to their learning needs among participants.
Discussion
Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to upskilling and supporting the regional health care workforce in delivering high quality cancer care. Preliminary evaluation findings, including early insights into engagement, relevance, and perceived impact will be presented. To share possible transferable learnings, the presentation will also explore the barriers and enablers to early implementation.