Cancer Learning
Cancer Learning is a web-based, continuing professional development initiative of Cancer Australia. It aims to operate as an information hub that consolidates, in one online location, the enormous variety of evidence-based learning activities, resources and information in cancer care available across Australia. It is hoped that this will reduce duplication of resource development, and provide cancer health workers across Australia with access to quality continuing professional development material.
The University of Sydney’s Workforce Education and Development Group (WEDG) (formerly known as OPME – the Office for Postgraduate Medical Education, and CIPHER – the Centre for Innovation in Professional Health Education and Research) has led the development of Cancer Learning, with a foundational consortium comprising Cancer Council Australia, the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Strategic guidance and governance advice is now provided by the National Cancer Learning Advisory Committee.
The Cancer Learning team has also collaborated closely with another Cancer Australia initiative, the National Cancer Nursing Education Project (EdCaN), to ensure that resources developed as part of EdCaN are available through Cancer Learning.
Cancer Learning is designed for all health professionals involved in providing cancer care, or interested in moving into this field of practice. The site is underpinned by a Cancer Care Professional Development Framework (PDF 11.7MB) which was developed to guide cancer care providers and networks in planning, developing and implementing professional development activities and programs.
Cancer Learning has learning activities, information and resources organised under five key themes:
- Multidisciplinary care
- Coordination of care
- Supportive care, including psychosocial support
- Fundamentals of oncology
- Latest treatments and evidence-based practice
Information is also provided regarding treatment of specialist population groups such as adolescents and young adults, indigenous, older adults and people affected by cancer who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. There is also information relating to specific tumour streams, care at different stages of the cancer journey and care in different settings.
Examples of successful initiatives are provided and users of the site are encouraged to submit their own resources for inclusion. Cancer Learning’s resource base continues to expand, and includes links to eviQ (Cancer Treatments Online) and EPICC (Education Program in Cancer Care). Cancer Australia is a partner in both of these programs.
The project team is keen to receive feedback about the site and how it might be improved. Please fill in the online feedback form (click on the ‘speech bubble icon’ on the front page) when you visit the site at www.cancerlearning.gov.au
