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Khoury EG, Lynch-Kelly K, Fulton-Ward T, Heritage S, Devasar A, Jones CM. Online Oncology Careers Events to Attract the Future Oncology Medical Workforce: An Exemplar Event and Review of the Literature. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2024; 36:e51-e60. [PMID: 37932187 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS There are too few oncologists to meet the increasing burden imposed by the rising incidence of cancer. This results from issues with the retention of established oncologists and longstanding challenges to the recruitment of adequate numbers of trainees. To counter this, the British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS) devised an online oncology careers event for medical students and junior doctors who are yet to select a specialty. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online careers event was devised with a focus on oncology practice and related subspecialties, as well as research. Event attendees were asked to respond to piloted pre- and post-event surveys. Knowledge and attitudes towards a career in oncology were evaluated using Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. A systematic literature search was carried out to contextualise these data. RESULTS Of the 73 attendees, 44 (60%) participants completed both the pre- and post-event surveys; 79.5% of attendees believed that information on a career in oncology is lacking in medical training. This viewpoint was supported by the systematic review, which highlighted a need for relevant focussed interventions targeted at medical students and fledgling doctors. The education event led to an increase in the median reported understanding of the oncology career pathway from 6.0 to 8.0 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), as well as the likelihood of pursuing a career in oncology (8.0-9.0; P < 0.05). It was also associated with a proportional increase in medical and surgical oncology interest, albeit with a fall in interest in clinical and interventional oncology as well as academia. CONCLUSION A targeted online careers event increases knowledge of and interest in a career in oncology, albeit predominantly for medical and surgical subspecialties. Broader initiatives based on our model should be developed and careers in academia as well as clinical and interventional oncology emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Khoury
- Cancer Academic Sciences Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - T Fulton-Ward
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Heritage
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Devasar
- Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C M Jones
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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2
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Ingledew PA, Lalani N, Daly M, Campbell SR. Catalyzing the Next Generation: Interventions To Increase Medical Student Interest in Radiation Oncology. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 115:1017-1025. [PMID: 36922073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paris-Ann Ingledew
- Department of Radiation Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nafisha Lalani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Megan Daly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Shauna R Campbell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Huang D, Childs E, Uppalapati AV, Tai EC, Hirsch AE. Medical Student Leadership in the Student Oncology Society: Evaluation of a Student-Run Interest Group. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:1629-1633. [PMID: 33768471 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
At our institution, we aim to foster interest in oncology through the Student Oncology Society (SOS). The SOS was formed in 2010 and since then has hosted numerous oncology-related events, such as career panels, patient survivorship celebrations, and movie screenings. The purpose of this study is to report the experiences from former student leaders of the SOS, particularly how their participation informed their career choice. Complete survey responses were obtained from 26 of 32 former SOS student leaders (response rate 81.3%). Out of the 26 respondents, 19 (73.1%) are pursuing an oncology-related specialty. The three most common competencies that were affected by participation in SOS, noted by 21 (80.8%) respondents, were learning about pathways to careers in oncology, understanding the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, and coordinating events. By mean Likert score, the most important factors in career choice for respondents who eventually pursued an oncology field were having a mentor in oncology (4.44), a clinical rotation in oncology (4.31), research involvement (4.22), and SOS involvement (3.17). While SOS involvement played a role in career choice among our student leaders, having a mentor was cited to be the most important factor for choosing an oncology career. Thus, implementation of formal mentorship initiatives within the framework of oncology interest groups should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, 830 Harrison Ave, Moakley Building, Lower Level, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ellen Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akhil V Uppalapati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, 830 Harrison Ave, Moakley Building, Lower Level, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Eric C Tai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, 830 Harrison Ave, Moakley Building, Lower Level, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ariel E Hirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, 830 Harrison Ave, Moakley Building, Lower Level, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Núñez-Peña E, Siller-Garcia P, Vaca-Cartagena BF, Lucio-Lozada J, Villafuerte-Manrique S, Barrera López M, Mesa-Chavez F, Villarreal-Garza C. Activities Performed by ASCO-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Groups in Latin America: Assessing Members' Preferences and Leaders' Challenges. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200050. [PMID: 36265095 PMCID: PMC9812479 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In response to the worldwide shortage of oncologists, ASCO established Oncology Student Interest Groups (OSIGs) to increase oncology exposure at medical schools. However, there is limited guidance on the activities they should undergo. The main purposes of this study were (1) to assess the preferences and perceptions of OSIG members about their group events and (2) to describe the difficulties faced by leaders to carry out OSIGs' tasks. METHODS In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, group members and leaders from five active Latin American OSIGs were invited to answer anonymous web-based surveys exploring members' attitudes toward group activities and leaders' challenges when carrying them out. Data collection was conducted from March to June 2021. RESULTS Responses from 142 medical students and four OSIGs leaders were analyzed. In total, 83% of student members considered that lectures with an oncology-related expert was very useful for increasing their overall interest in oncology. For increasing interest in cancer research, 87% deemed that participating in oncology research projects was very useful. Shadowing oncology professionals was very useful for at least 70% of members to increase their oncology knowledge and their interest in following an oncology-related career. Moreover, leaders' main challenges were having a high academic load, little response from members, lack of interesting ideas and protected time for OSIGs' events, and limited support from their school. CONCLUSION OSIGs' leaders, medical schools, and international oncology organizations should work together to design activities that increase medical students' exposure to oncology-related professionals and encourage their participation in international oncological events. These schools and organizations should actively support OSIG leaders when facing difficulties to prevent members' disengagement and groups' discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Núñez-Peña
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Paloma Siller-Garcia
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Bryan F. Vaca-Cartagena
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Jose Lucio-Lozada
- Personalized Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Mirelle Barrera López
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anahuac México Norte, Naucalpan, Mexico
| | - Fernanda Mesa-Chavez
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico,Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, MD, DSc, Batallon de San Patricio 112, Real de San Agustin, 66278, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Twitter: @Dra_CVillarreal; e-mail:
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Pavlidis N, Madry R, Peeters M, Sandrucci S, Markowska J, Peccatori F, Costa A, Eriksen JG, Ricardi U, Poetter R, Schrijvers D, Vermorken JB. ESO-ESSO-ESTRO Multidisciplinary Course in Oncology for Medical Students: 4 Years of Experience (2016-2019). JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:1239-1244. [PMID: 33387267 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The ESO-ESSO-ESTRO Multidisciplinary Course in Oncology is intended to fill the gap of the undergraduate fragmented oncology education, to provide insight into all theoretical and practical aspects of oncology, and to encourage future professional choices towards an oncology discipline. Students are exposed to (a) preclinical cancer topics; (b) natural history of the disease; (c) laboratory diagnostic tests; (d) medical, radiation, surgical, and palliative treatment; and (e) direct or through multidisciplinary patients' approach. Students are obliged to attend (i) all theoretical lectures, (ii) clinical case presentations, (iii) laboratories and ward visits, and (iv) to prepare and present a specific project under supervision. Participation is limited to 24 medical students who are selected through a competitive application process. Between 2016 and 2019, 96 students from 29 countries have attended. Data analysis derived from a given questionnaire demonstrates that most of the participants have declared that (1) they have achieved their expectations and objectives, (2) they have highly rated both clinical and non-clinical teaching oncological topics, and (3) they have been stimulated in developing a professional career in the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pavlidis
- Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- European School of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
| | - Radoslaw Madry
- Medical University K. Marcinkowski and Clinical Hospital of the Transfiguration, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marc Peeters
- Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Janina Markowska
- Department of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Fedro Peccatori
- European School of Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Gynecologic Oncology Programme, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Richard Poetter
- Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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6
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Kanan D, Kanan T, Kalyenci N, Nanah AR, Tarbaghia M, Ekmekci B, Çelik S, Öven BB. A Successful Model for an Introductory Oncology Teaching Conference and Its Impact on Preclinical and Clinical Medical Students. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e907-e914. [PMID: 35157507 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oncology education at medical schools is often fragmented, under-represented, and nonstandardized. Medical students lack essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for them to provide optimal primary care to patients with cancer upon graduation. METHODS In this study, we designed and assessed the impact of a compact oncology teaching conference on medical students. The conference covered topics in cancer biology, public health, diagnosis, patient management, treatment, and communication skills. Medical students completed voluntary presurveys and postsurveys regarding their perceived knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives. The event was promoted by student groups, particularly our ASCO Oncology Student Interest Group, and took place online. RESULTS A total of 228 responses from medical students representing 50 universities were analyzed. We revealed significant baseline confidence and perceived knowledge deficits especially in diagnosis and patient management, and treatment modalities. Our conference positively affected self-assessed knowledge acquisition among students, with the most pronounced differences seen in diagnosis and patient management (2.51 ± 1 v 3.87 ± 0.81) and treatment modalities (2.54 ± 0.96 v 3.79 ± 0.88), P < .001. Students believed the program was beneficial, felt more confident in applying their knowledge in the clinic and in delivering bad news, and were more interested in pursuing oncology-related fields, P < .001. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that a compact teaching conference resulted in significant improvements in students' confidence and perceived knowledge about oncology. Our successful teaching model can be adapted and implemented at medical schools globally. Development and evaluation of teaching programs are important to urgently reform undergraduate medical education in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa Kanan
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tarek Kanan
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nursena Kalyenci
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdel Rahman Nanah
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Marwa Tarbaghia
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betigul Ekmekci
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Çelik
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Oncology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bala Başak Öven
- 2020-2021 Education Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Group, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Oncology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Malik NH, Li GJ, Giuliani M, Brundage M, Caissie A, Cao JQ, Halperin R, Ingledew PA, Vigneault E, Bezjak A. Mapping the Current State of Canadian Medical School Oncology Interest Groups. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:203-209. [PMID: 32594313 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01803-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in Canada. Undergraduate medical education therefore must ensure adequate oncology education for all physicians and inspire some to make oncology their career specialty, in an effort to ensure public care needs are met in the future. Medical student-led oncology interest groups (OIGs) are a subset of specialty interest groups that supplement formal didactic and clinical learning to increase exposure to oncology and access to mentors. We conducted a survey of OIG leaders to ascertain their goals, activities, barriers, future directions, and perceptions about employment prospects. OIG leaders from 12/17 Canadian medical schools responded. Medical oncology was the most represented specialty in OIGs. Half of OIGs had faculty mentors. Self-reported goals were to increase exposure to oncology disciplines (n = 12), assist students with career selection (n = 11) and finding mentors (n = 7), and enhance oncology education (n = 10). OIGs held on average 5 events per year (range 1-12). Reported barriers were finding time to plan events, declining student interest over academic year, and limited funding. Many OIGs showed interest in more standardized resources about oncology disciplines (n = 9), access to presentations (n = 10), more funding (n = 7), and collaboration (n = 7). Employment in many oncology specialties was perceived poorly, and the most important career selection considerations were ease of employment, practice location, and partner/family preference. Our survey highlights common goals, barriers, and perceptions in OIG medical student leaders across Canada and provides guidance for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nauman H Malik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - George J Li
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Caissie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Q Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ross Halperin
- BC Cancer - Centre for the Southern Interior, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paris-Ann Ingledew
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer-Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Vigneault
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Laval, QC, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrea Bezjak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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Aemaz Ur Rehman M, Farooq H, Ebaad Ur Rehman M, Ali MM, Zafar A, Khokhar MA. Perceptions of oncology as a career choice among the early career doctors in Pakistan. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:61. [PMID: 35081960 PMCID: PMC8790828 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of oncologists is a growing global concern. With the rise in cancer burden across the world, the supply-demand mismatch of the oncology workforce is projected to increase. Furthermore, oncology is a low-ranked field of choice among medical students, and without understanding the perceptions and concerns of early-career doctors regarding oncology, any investments made in cancer care will be futile. This study aims to determine the opinions of young doctors and the factors most affecting their preferences in order to devise focused strategies to attract more doctors into oncology. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 early-career doctors across various public and private hospitals in Pakistan, from March to November 2019. A close-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their opinions in terms of the workplace environment, scope, and the emotional and financial aspects of oncology. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the influence (positive or negative) of the perceptions on the choice of oncology as a career was determined by binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Almost three-quarters of the participants did not want a career in oncology. The top positive perceptions about oncology in descending order were: progressive field, gender-neutral, stable working hours, financially healthy, and work-family balance. Top negative perceptions were: lack of oncologic facilities in hospitals, radiation exposure, need for private practice, poor patient prognosis, high patient load, and depressing environment. Participants who attended private medical school (p < 0.10), planned to live abroad (p < 0.10), had an oncologist (p < 0.05), cancer survivor or death due to cancer in the family (p < 0.05), were more likely to adopt oncology as a career. Those who believed that poor patient prognosis can have an impact on career choice were less likely to prefer oncology (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Despite the rising cancer burden, early career doctors are reluctant to join oncology. Curricular, infrastructural and policy changes are needed at the level of medical school, oncology training and practice to recruit more young doctors and minimize the existing paucity of the oncologic workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aemaz Ur Rehman
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Neela Gumbad Chowk, Anarkali, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Hareem Farooq
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Neela Gumbad Chowk, Anarkali, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Mohsin Ali
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Neela Gumbad Chowk, Anarkali, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Amjad Zafar
- Department of Oncology, King Edward Medical University, Neela Gumbad Chowk, Anarkali, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abbas Khokhar
- Department of Oncology, King Edward Medical University, Neela Gumbad Chowk, Anarkali, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
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Kayrouz R, Schofield C, Nielssen O, Karin E, Staples L, Titov N. A Review and Clinical Practice Guideline for Health Professionals Working With Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Populations During COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:584000. [PMID: 34249822 PMCID: PMC8267873 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.584000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the rates of infection and mortality from COVID-19 have been higher in minority groups, the communication of health information in a way that is understood and accepted is of particular importance. Aims: To provide health professionals with a clinical practice guideline for clear and culturally sensitive communication of health information about COVID-19 to people of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Assessment of Guideline Options: The authors conducted a review of the literature on health communication, and the guidelines were developed with particular reference to the SPIKES protocol of “breaking bad news” in oncology and the use of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI). Actionable Recommendations: The guideline combines two approaches, the Cultural Formulation Interview, developed for DSM-5, and the SPIKES protocol used for delivering “bad news” in oncology. The combined CFI-SPIKES protocol is a six-step clinical practice guideline that includes the following: (1) Set up (S) the interview; (2) Determine how the patient perceives the problem (P) using the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) to elicit the patient's cultural perception of the problem; (3) Obtain an invitation (I) from the patient to receive a diagnosis; (4) Provide the patient knowledge (K) of diagnosis in a non-technical way; (5) Address the patient's emotional reaction (E) to diagnosis; and (6) Provide the patient a summary (S) of healthcare and treatment. Conclusions and Relevance: This article presents guidelines for assessing the cultural dimensions of patients' understanding of COVID-19 and delivering diagnostic and treatment recommendations in ways that are culturally safe and responsive, such as: (a) suspending the clinician's own cultural biases to understand the explanatory models and cultural values of their CALD or Indigenous patients; (b) encouraging the use of interpreters or cultural brokers to ensure that that the message is delivered in a way that the patient can understand; and (c) encouraging CALD or Indigenous patient to take an active part in the solution and treatment adherence, to minimize transmission of COVID-19 in CALD and Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony Kayrouz
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Olav Nielssen
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eyal Karin
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Staples
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nickolai Titov
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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