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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 2/2006

01-02-2006 | Original Article

Palliative care for patients with cancer: what are the educational needs of community pharmacists?

Authors: Safeera Y. Hussainy, Jill Beattie, Roger L. Nation, Michael J. Dooley, Julia Fleming, Simon Wein, Maria Pisasale, William J. Scott, Jennifer L. Marriott

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2006

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Abstract

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the educational needs of community pharmacists in Australia related to palliative cancer care, to guide the development of an online educational program for pharmacists.

Methods

Questionnaires were posted to a random sample of community pharmacies in Australia. The questionnaire sought information pertaining to pharmacists’: demographics; educational needs by rating the importance of learning more about 18 palliative cancer care topics and self-perceived level of knowledge of them; preference for format(s) for the program; willingness to participate in the program; and perception regarding their practice of palliative cancer care. Results were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5 software.

Main results

A questionnaire return rate of 10.3% was achieved. The characteristics of respondents were reflective of community pharmacy practice in Australia when compared with the latest available labour force figures by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Pharmacists rated all 18 topics as “important/essential”, and their level of knowledge of them as “poor/good”. Pharmacists preferred information provided in these formats: text (89.8%), case studies (80.6%) and multi-choice questions (69.4%). Most pharmacists (85.2%) indicated that they would participate in the program. The majority of pharmacists (71.3%) reported that they deliver palliative cancer care services; usually less-than-monthly (24.1%) or weekly (21.3%).

Conclusions

Educational needs of community pharmacists in palliative cancer care were identified. The information gathered will assist in guiding the development of an online educational program for pharmacists to improve their knowledge and skills in palliative cancer care.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Palliative care for patients with cancer: what are the educational needs of community pharmacists?
Authors
Safeera Y. Hussainy
Jill Beattie
Roger L. Nation
Michael J. Dooley
Julia Fleming
Simon Wein
Maria Pisasale
William J. Scott
Jennifer L. Marriott
Publication date
01-02-2006
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0844-1

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