E-leaning module effect on knowledge and confidence of clerical staff regarding radiotherapy
Jennifer Cohen,
United Kingdom
PO-1862
Abstract
E-leaning module effect on knowledge and confidence of clerical staff regarding radiotherapy
Authors: Jennifer Cohen1, Kim Benstead2
1Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oncology , Cheltenham, United Kingdom; 2Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oncology, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
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Purpose or Objective
Radiotherapy is poorly understood by clerical members of the healthcare team although they communicate frequently with patients who receive this.
An online e-Learning module has been developed by Trinity College, Dublin for patients due to undergo radiotherapy. This is available periodically and is openly accessible via the website Future Learn. It is separated into components covering topics such as basic theoretical science, the patient journey through treatment and potential side effects. It was proposed that clerical staff may increase their knowledge and confidence by completing the module.
Material and Methods
Volunteers completed a questionnaire prior to commencing the module. On completion two further questionnaires were completed – one repeating the intial one, investigating understanding, and the other assessing the e-learning itself to establish which factors had influenced their experience using a validated survey.
Results
7 members of the clerical team at Gloucestershire Oncology Centre volunteered for the study. Of these 2 were unable to complete the module as intended, both citing work commitments. None of the participants had any prior training in radiotherapy.
Table 1. demonstrates the mean scores for attitudes and knowledge on a scale of 1-10 before and after completing the module. The written feedback received from those who completed the module was very positive e.g., “very useful to consolidate current knowledge and gain further awareness” and “definitely improved my understanding”.
When asked to score from 1-10 the means were:
Motivation of the participants to complete the module - 8.6
Limitations of the e-learning, from highly advantageous (1) to numerous limitations (10) - 1.5.
Educational value - 8.5.
Applicability to daily work - 7.4
The most frequently cited limitation was time, with 2/7 participants unable to start due to workload. Practical aspects of the module such as the accessibility with video transcripts and clear progress bars were highly regarded. One participant highlighting that this would have been a more useful intervention when they first commenced their role.
Conclusion
Clerical staff reported that they felt more knowledgeable and confident when talking to patients about radiotherapy resulting in them being able to answer more questions independently. We recommend that this e-Learning should be incorporated into clerical induction and circulated more widely to existing staff members.