Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Building capability: The experience of a delegate from Papua New Guinea with cancer pharmacist education delivered by Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s Cancer Pharmacists Group (#359)

Marissa Ryan 1 2 3 , Sarah Heward 4 , Narelle Carnazzola 5 6 , Kosar Latif 2 , Hayley Vasileff 7 , Christy Wai 8
  1. Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  2. Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  3. Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  4. Cancer Services, WA Country Health Service, East Perth, WA, Australia
  5. Pharmacy Department, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia
  6. College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
  7. SA Pharmacy, SA Health, SA, Australia
  8. Port Moresby General Hospital, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Aim: To describe the experience of a delegate from Papua New Guinea (PNG) attending the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Cancer Pharmacists Group (CPG) Foundation Clinical Skills Course in Australia as part of a mentorship program.  

Method: The delegate provided a written summary of their course attendance experience which included pre-recorded online presentations and interactive face-to-face sessions over two days. COSA CPG mentors analysed the summary to inform the benefits and opportunities for improvement of incorporating this learning opportunity into the mentorship model.  

Results: The pre-recorded online content provided a useful review of the basics of cancer and its treatment. The delegate also reported the session on the clinical verification process of cancer treatment as very relevant. They noted the benefit of utilising the standardised verification process and felt equipped and empowered to apply this process into their everyday practice post-course. The benefit of interactive sessions and ample forums for discussions were highlighted. The opportunity to interact with other delegates was described as valuable with additional learnings through discussing experiences with other pharmacists. Particular practices prioritised for implementation in PNG include pharmacist clinical verification and additional involvement in treatment-related toxicities prevention and management to positively impact patient care. The delegate was cognisant of their need for continued professional development.

Conclusion: Building capability of clinicians from low- and middle-income countries is one of COSA’s priorities. It is also a priority for COSA’s Global Oncology Group and CPG. Facilitating cancer pharmacist education for the delegate was aligned to this priority. The format and content of the course provided a practical platform to continue to develop, learn, and improve practice in PNG. The delegate plans to impart knowledge gained from the course with their colleagues and into their everyday practice to contribute towards better outcomes for patients with cancer in PNG.