This is the fourth iteration of the CPPiCS with the Victorian Government previously funding three successful iterations, all led by the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC).
In the pilot in 2015, 16 General Practitioners (GPs) and 12 PN completed placements. The evaluation of the pilot project identified that a clinical placement program was feasible and was reported to be clinically and professionally valuable.
The second iteration was funded in 2016, with 33 GPs, 16 PN, 16 oncologists and 13 oncology nurses participating in placements that focused on a broader approach to cancer survivorship and bidirectional learning.
In the third iteration in 2017 - 2019, the program grew to include 90 primary care professionals, including AHP for the first time. It was identified that AHP were highly interested in the program, with a waitlist of AHP wishing to participate in placements.
Program outcomes
The program was highly successful, with 99% (88/89) of participants reporting they partially or entirely met their learning goals and 92% (81/89) of participants reporting increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care. Furthermore, host sites also rated the program favourably. They reported the program as an important teaching opportunity and provided important linkages to primary care, enabling better transition of patients from acute to primary care services. All sites reported that the program structure, including administration and management provided by the ACSC, facilitated implementation and was not a burden on clinical services.
To read more about program outcomes from the last iteration, please see:
Piper A, Leon L, Kelly H, Bailey A, Wiley G, Lisy K, Simkiss L, Jefford M. Clinical placement program in cancer survivorship for primary care providers 2017-2019. J Can Surv. 2020 Feb;14(1):14-18. doi: 10.1007/s11764-019-00817-2
