The objective of this project is to develop targeted professional development packages for a broad range of cancer professionals. The project will be conducted in two phases:

PHASE ONE (Feb - July 2006)

Phase One involved the scoping of all CPD provided in Australia for cancer professionals, general practitioners and counsellors, conducting a gap analysis against needs and a comprehensive review of literature regarding best practice in the delivery of CPD. Leaders in cancer care and professional development attended two workshops to discuss priority areas for training and target areas for improvement.

Our review of current CPD in Australia did not include an analysis of best practice in specific treatments or diagnostic techniques. Rather the project investigated the broad topic areas cancer professionals require CPD in, the CPD currently being provided across these topics and the best way to deliver this CPD.

The final report recommended:

1. The development of a national Framework for the delivery of cancer care CPD aligned with the National Service Improvement Framework for Cancer (NSIF) and state/territory cancer plans.
   
   
2. The development of a web-based central information hub for cancer care CPD, founded on evidence-based resources.
   
   
3. Implementation of a dual approach to the development and evaluation of a number of demonstration CPD packages:
   
   a) Development of workplace-based, multiprofessional packages targeting generic skills in a variety of practice environments
   
   b) Development of targeted educational resources for practitioner groups in priority areas such as psychosocial assessment and appropriate referral for psychosocial care and the exploration of opportunities for developing packages in new treatments and evidence-based practice.
   

PHASE TWO (Jan 2007 - June 2008)

Phase Two will involve implementation of the recommendations from Phase 1. The consortium will engage with practitioners at a number of demonstration sites to ensure the recommended CPD packages meet the needs of stakeholders and have a high degree of support for implementation.


Further information will be available when the demonstration sites are selected.

The project is funded by Cancer Australia as part of the ongoing Strengthening Cancer Care initiative. The work is being undertaken by a national consortium in consultation with health professionals, cancer-related organisations, consumers and other stakeholders around Australia.