Background and Context: The pilot study explored the impact of an online QStream spaced education program on the knowledge and referral patterns of oncologists at two hospitals in Sydney who care for women with gynecological cancer, including gynaecological oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists and their trainees.
Aim: The program aimed to increase their knowledge about the latest evidence regarding genetic assessment and consideration of genetic testing for women with a particular type of ovarian cancer.
Strategy/Tactics:
QStream is based on the theory that educational encounters that are spaced and repeated over time result in more efficient learning and improved learning retention. This is important for busy clinicians in cancer care where there is a plethora of new and emerging evidence that results in revised and updated guidelines that require timely dissemination and translation. Participants completed an online, case based program with questions that were emailed and repeated over a number of weeks. After the program semi structured interviews were conducted and were subject to thematic analysis by two researchers. In addition, the number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the number subsequently referred for assessment and consideration of genetic testing over a 12 month period was identified from gynecological oncology records.
Programme/Policy Process: This pilot program evaluated the utility of the QStream platform for disseminating new evidence and updated clinical guidelines
Outcomes/What was learned:
The results of changes in referral numbers and qualitative themes will be reported. In addition, implementation science strategies for promoting behavior change will be explored. Overall, participants enjoyed the QStream program and the ease of access that it entails. In addition, they enjoyed the feedback and links and indicated the QStream platform would be useful for disseminating new research findings and updated clinical guidelines.