Talor Hopkins, Ari Bell-Brown, Pedro Martinez-Pinto, Vida Henderson, Linda K Ko, Anita Isler, Rachel B Issaka
{"title":"A Video Decision Aid Decreases Fear of Colonoscopy After an Abnormal Fecal Immunochemical Test Result: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Talor Hopkins, Ari Bell-Brown, Pedro Martinez-Pinto, Vida Henderson, Linda K Ko, Anita Isler, Rachel B Issaka","doi":"10.1007/s13187-025-02623-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02623-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colonoscopy completion after abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results is inadequate, and patient fear is a commonly reported barrier. We developed and piloted a video decision aid that addresses fear of colonoscopy among patients with abnormal FIT results. We developed a video decision aid and, in a pilot study, randomized patients in a safety-net healthcare system with abnormal FIT results and no follow-up colonoscopy to the intervention or usual care. Both groups completed a baseline survey that measured fear of colonoscopy, knowledge about colorectal cancer (CRC), self-efficacy, and intent to complete a colonoscopy, and the intervention group repeated the survey after watching the video. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Participants that watched the video reported a 17.7% decrease in fear of colonoscopy (p < 0.01) across six domains, including fear of the bowel prep (p < 0.01), the actual colonoscopy procedure (p < 0.01), and possible complications from the procedure (p = 0.04). Participant CRC knowledge also increased across several measures, including a 43.5% decrease in the belief that it is difficult to know which CRC prevention recommendations to follow. Overall, 78.3% of participants found the video to be helpful, and 90.6% would recommend the video to other patients with abnormal FIT results. In a safety-net population with abnormal FIT results, a video decision aid decreased fear of colonoscopy and increased knowledge about CRC. The video decision aid was acceptable to participants and can be considered an additional tool to improve follow-up of abnormal FIT results.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143789101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How GPs Help Patients Reorient After Cancer News.","authors":"Waseem Jerjes, Sarah Williams","doi":"10.1007/s13187-025-02621-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02621-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>General practitioners (GPs) play a pivotal role in helping patients process and adapt to a cancer diagnosis. Through continuity of care, emotional support, and practical guidance, GPs bridge the gap between clinical information and personal impact. Their role extends beyond diagnosis to survivorship and end-of-life care.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What Makes a Good Poster? Evaluating #BetterPoster and Classic Formats at a Scientific Cancer Conference.","authors":"Line Bentsen, Daniella Elisabet Østergaard","doi":"10.1007/s13187-025-02622-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02622-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Academic posters have evolved significantly, shifting from rare presentation opportunities to a common method of scientific dissemination. As speaking time and individualized attention for posters have diminished, new challenges have emerged, emphasizing the need for effective visual communication. This study aimed to evaluate the adoption and effectiveness of the #BetterPoster (BP) format compared to the classic format (C) and to determine whether the modified format contributed to an improved experience for both viewers and readers. At the national Danish Cancer Research Conference 2024, a total of 103 posters were categorized and assessed systematically by independent raters using four criteria: first impression, organization, poster format, and wordiness. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and Kendall's W for interrater reliability, compared the formats, while Pearson correlations explored relationships between \"first impression\" and \"organization,\" \"poster format,\" or \"wordiness.\" Results indicated that the BP format achieved higher scores for all criteria, with significant differences in first impression (p = 1.64e-06). However, both formats exhibited potential for high scores when designed mindfully, balancing text and visual elements. While the BP format improved audience engagement, excessive simplification or disorganization reduced its effectiveness. Classic posters, although often more text-heavy, could also be effective when structured carefully. The findings highlight the importance of coherent design and training in visual communication, suggesting that well-executed posters, regardless of format, can enhance academic engagement and knowledge dissemination. These insights could inform future guidelines for academic poster presentations, fostering more engaging and effective communication at conferences.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143774641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing Job Satisfaction for Oncology Staff: Research Versus Inquisitive Conversations.","authors":"Rajiv Samant","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02495-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02495-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The burden of cancer is increasing, and this is putting incredible strain on the healthcare system, specifically on frontline oncology health care providers. This is well documented in the published literature, and the situation has been exacerbated following the COVID-19 pandemic. There is ample evidence about the concerns of healthcare staff as to what changes are needed to improve their work lives and make them more efficient and effective at their jobs. There can always be more research done in this area, but, more importantly, there is an urgent need to start taking concrete steps and appropriate action to improve the situation so cancer patients can get the best available care possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"301-302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142094129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Virtual Waiting Room: The New Narrative of Waiting in Oncology Care.","authors":"Miroslav Světlák","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02496-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02496-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This conceptual study introduces the \"virtual waiting room,\" an innovative, interactive, web-based platform designed to enhance the waiting experience in oncology by providing personalized, educational, and supportive content. Central to our study is the implementation of the circular entry model, which allows for non-linear navigation of health information, empowering patients to access content based on their immediate needs and interests. This approach respects the individual journeys of patients, acknowledging the diverse pathways through which they seek understanding and manage their health. The virtual waiting room is designed not only to support patients but also to facilitate stronger communication and shared understanding between patients, caregivers, and families. By providing a shared digital space, the platform enables caregivers and family members to access the same information and resources, thereby promoting transparency and collective knowledge. This shared access is crucial in managing the emotional complexities of oncology care, where effective communication can significantly impact treatment outcomes and patient well-being. Furthermore, the study explores how the circular entry model within the virtual waiting room can enhance patient autonomy and engagement by offering customized interactions based on user feedback and preferences. This personalized approach aims to reduce anxiety, improve health literacy, and prepare patients more effectively for clinical interactions. By transforming passive waiting into active engagement, the virtual waiting room turns waiting time into a meaningful, informative period that supports both the psychological and informational needs of patients and their support networks.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"303-312"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142114350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexa R Wilden, Curtis Liu, Neha Khuntia, Samira Syed
{"title":"The Impact of a Pilot Oncology Summer Internship on Oncology Awareness Among Early Medical Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds: A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Alexa R Wilden, Curtis Liu, Neha Khuntia, Samira Syed","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02486-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02486-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oncology is a field of medicine projected to face provider shortages as cancer prevalence rises. Moreover, the diversity of oncologists remains subpar compared to that of the general population despite initiatives to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds (UIM). Thus, first-year UIM medical students interested in oncology were invited to participate in a 4-week oncology summer internship (OSI) to gain clinical exposure and mentorship experiences. The OSI connected students with oncologists for mentorship, provided tours of oncologic facilities, and coordinated shadowing opportunities. The impact of the OSI was assessed via a mixed-methods approach. Pre- and post-survey data were collected from eight of the nine OSI students. Quantitative data demonstrated improvement of students' understanding of oncology as a discipline, for example its training pathways (p = .02), and awareness of patient experiences in oncology, for example socioeconomic challenges (p = .008). Students reported an increased ability to identify with those in oncology and identify mentors in the field (p = .03 and p = .05, respectively). Qualitative data demonstrated continued interest in oncology with increased commentary on the patient experience and social determinants of health. Post-survey, students provided more commentary on the need for diversity in the field and possible increased professional connections in medicine. The OSI improved students' understanding of oncology and oncology patient experiences with potentially increased identification of and connection with others in the field. Further work will focus on assessing the impact of future OSIs on professional identity formation.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"164-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142047398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nea Fride, Kristine M Nachbor, Alexander T Nelson, Kirsten Snook, Rami M Shaker, Sophia Mavrommatis, Christopher D Seaver, Lachelle Semanko, Manpreet Bedi, Elsa Keeler, Kathryn E Dusenbery, Amber A Retzlaff
{"title":"Assessing Sarcoma Awareness Among the General Population in Minnesota: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study from the Minnesota State Fair in 2015 and 2022.","authors":"Nea Fride, Kristine M Nachbor, Alexander T Nelson, Kirsten Snook, Rami M Shaker, Sophia Mavrommatis, Christopher D Seaver, Lachelle Semanko, Manpreet Bedi, Elsa Keeler, Kathryn E Dusenbery, Amber A Retzlaff","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02485-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02485-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sarcomas are commonly misdiagnosed, and treatment delays negatively impact patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore patient threshold for and timeline to medical evaluation, to identify providers most likely to be contacted first, and to assess general sarcoma knowledge in Minnesota's general population. Voluntary participants were recruited at the 2015 and 2022 Minnesota State Fair to complete a three-part survey. Part 1 assessed evaluation timeline and provider choice, part 2 evaluated sarcoma knowledge via a ten-question survey, and part 3 documented demographics. Responses were electronically recorded, and results were tabulated. Overall, 2124 participants completed some or all of the survey. Part 1: Participants indicated they would seek more urgent treatment for a painful mass compared to a non-painful mass (p < 0.001). The majority (77%) of participants indicated a family medicine physician would be their first contact for painful and non-painful masses. Part 2: There was no difference in overall score (percent correct) when comparing results from 2015 (mean = 40%) to 2022 (mean = 42%) (p = 0.183). Overall, 16% (349/2117) of participants had no correct responses. Individuals who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and a non-White race performed worse (p < 0.001). In general, scores improved with increased education and those with a graduate or professional degree had an estimated 2.515-point increase in score compared to participants with some high school education or high school diploma/general education diploma (p < 0.001). Participants with a healthcare background scored better (p < 0.001). Pain is a driving factor for patient-initiated evaluation, and primary care providers are the most likely first contact for patients. General sarcoma awareness remains low, even among those with advanced degrees and healthcare experience. Ongoing educational efforts are warranted for both the general public and healthcare communities in Minnesota.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"156-163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142001199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vaishvi Patel, Adele Duimering, Shaun K Loewen, Conley Kriegler
{"title":"Didactic Instruction's Impact on Medicolegal Quality of Radiation Oncology Resident Physician Documentation.","authors":"Vaishvi Patel, Adele Duimering, Shaun K Loewen, Conley Kriegler","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02508-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02508-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effective documentation serves as a cornerstone for communication and patient care, especially in radiation oncology (RO). Studies have shown room for improvement in documentation practices, and although documentation guidelines exist, it is uncertain if RO physicians are aware of or adhere to them. We aimed to assess RO resident physicians' medicolegal knowledge and the impact of an educational intervention on documentation practices. Grading rubrics for consultation and progress notes were created using guidelines, comprising of a fundamental score and total score. Residents from two institutions attended a didactic seminar on medicolegal documentation. Pre- and post-seminar, an electronic anonymous survey was used to assess resident knowledge and perspectives and random resident consultation and progress notes were scored. Mean documentation and survey item scores from pre- and post-seminar were compared. Fourteen resident physicians participated and completed surveys, and 48 consultation notes and 40 progress notes were analyzed. No participant had prior education specific to RO documentation, nor were any aware of available resources. Post-seminar, participants' medicolegal documentation knowledge significantly increased (86.61% vs. 95.54%, p = 0.001), as did the fundamental score (83.64% vs 89.29%, p = 0.041) and total scores of consultation notes (69.82% vs. 78.98%, p = 0.001) and total score of progress notes (55% vs. 75.19%, p < 0.001). Our seminar significantly enhanced residents' medicolegal knowledge and quality of documentation, and surveys revealed a lack of speciality specific documentation education. This combined with findings from other studies and participant opinions suggest that resident physicians would benefit from such training during residency.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"266-272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142309009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimizing Physician Interview Processes: Towards Transparent Communication Regarding Time, Money, and Responsibility.","authors":"Richard C Godby, Caleb J Smith","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02459-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02459-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"153-155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141077079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kendra K Jackson, Jayzona Alberto, Jennifer Kim, Stephanie M Smith, Lidia Schapira
{"title":"Impact of a Cancer Survivorship Continuing Medical Education Course on Learners' Attitudes and Intention to Change Practice.","authors":"Kendra K Jackson, Jayzona Alberto, Jennifer Kim, Stephanie M Smith, Lidia Schapira","doi":"10.1007/s13187-024-02497-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13187-024-02497-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An innovative, case-based continuing medical education course, Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care, was developed to engage clinicians in cancer survivorship care. A post-course survey measured the educational impact of the course on learners' intentions to change practice and changes in attitudes related to interprofessional collaborative practice. Qualitative analysis of free text responses was performed using the immersion-crystallization method. Learners earning continuing education credit (N = 1202) completed the post-course evaluation survey: 17.4% physicians, 8.0% advanced practice providers, 56.7% nurses, 2.2% pharmacists, 15.7% other health professionals. Learners' intended practice changes included improving communication (N = 438), incorporating knowledge into practice (N = 282), prioritizing survivorship clinical care (N = 167), and increasing oncology-primary care collaboration for patients (N = 53). Responses frequently involved more than one theme. Specific actions or knowledge that learners intended to incorporate into practice included improving their assessment of cancer survivor's risk and concerns (N = 128), incorporating knowledge of late effects of cancer treatment into practice (N = 122), educating patients about survivorship topics (N = 117), increasing empathy and understanding of survivors' experiences (N = 94), improving listening skills (N = 70), and dedicating more time to survivorship care (N = 63). Learners' changes in attitudes reflected an increased appreciation for collaboration, especially between oncology and primary care clinicians. A continuing medical education course designed to drive interest in engaging with cancer survivorship topics was effective at shaping learners' attitudes and intent to change practice, and has the potential to improve communication, care coordination, and healthcare experiences of cancer survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":"202-209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}