Reaching further with online education? The development of an effective online program in palliative oncology

J Cancer Educ. 2010 Sep;25(3):317-23. doi: 10.1007/s13187-009-0037-6.

Abstract

Patients in rural and remote Australia have less access to specialist oncology services and rely more on local health professionals for provision of cancer care. We have developed a 7.5-h online educational program on palliative oncology for health professionals focused on the needs of rural providers. There were 501 active (enrolled) users and 268 ad hoc (non-enrolled) users, with 90 completing evaluation. Eighty-two (91%) indicated that their learning needs were partially or entirely met. Sixty-five (75%) respondents planned to review or change their practice as a result. The online program is effective in meeting learning needs of Australian health providers, reaching high numbers with high acceptability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Clinical Competence
  • Health Personnel / education*
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / education*
  • Medical Oncology / standards
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Palliative Care*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / standards
  • Program Evaluation
  • Remote Consultation*
  • Rural Health Services*
  • Software
  • Workforce