Integrative oncology training program for Oncology Patient Navigators in Georgia

7/14/2014

Oncology Nurse Navigators in Georgia are invited to participate in a statewide pilot study focusing on a web-based educational module that provides a comprehensive review of an integrative oncology based approach to cancer navigation, including conventional and complementary therapeutic modalities. This study combines the efforts of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO), Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) and Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia (CPNG). The study is a product of collaboration by investigators from the Emory University, Georgia CORE and the Harbin Clinic in Rome, Ga.

This pilot project will investigate the effectiveness of a mixed method educational program versus web-based learning only for oncology patient navigators relative to knowledge and application of integrative oncology modalities. It will also investigate the impact of mixed method educational program versus web based learning only on navigator burnout levels.

The specific aims of the study are:

Aim 1: To test the effectiveness of educational programs in improving knowledge and attitudinal beliefs of patient navigators about Integrative Oncology.
Aim 2: To test the effectiveness of programs in improving the ability of patient navigators to clinically apply Integrative Oncology approaches in the care of patients with cancer.
Aim 3: To assess the impact of a mixed method educational program including a small group retreat versus distance based learning only focusing on integrative oncology on levels of patient navigator well being and burnout.
Aim 4: To assess the feasibility of implementing a statewide mixed method continuing education program about integrative oncology for patient navigators.

The learning objectives of the study are:

• Define integrative cancer care navigation.
• Describe the Georgia model for integrative cancer care navigation.
• Describe 5 evidence-based CAM therapies/methods and their value and appropriate use in the continuum of integrative cancer care navigation.
• Create a vision for developing an integrative cancer care navigation practice.

Participants will be recruited through mid-July, and the trial will begin in mid-November. It will entail pre and post testing and completion of an 8 hour web based course that will provide continuing education credits (8 hours CME, CEU credit for MD’s, nurses, respectively). Twelve of the selected applicants will be randomly selected for participation in a weekend experiential workshop. The recruitment goal is 24 Georgia cancer patient navigators from various specialties, experience and practice settings.

Please click here to access the application to participate in this study. Contact Alice Kerber Akerber@georgiacore.org or 404-584-1178 or Angie Patterson apatterson@georgiacore.org or 404-588-0657 at Georgia CORE with any questions or concerns.