title: Remote symptom support training programs for oncology nurses in Canada: an environmental scan.
abstract: The overall aim of this study was to explore current remote symptom support training programs provided to nurses in ambulatory oncology programs across Canada, using a survey-methods environmental scan. Of 36 delivered invitations, 28 programs responded (77.8%) representing 10 provinces. Of 25 programs that offer telephone symptom support, 17 provide symptom support training, seven do not, and one did not say. Seven programs shared training materials with the investigators and elements of training included: symptom management guidelines (n = 6), telephone triage process/principles (n = 5), competent telephone practices (n = 4), documentation (n = 4), professional standards (n = 3), role-play (n = 3), communication skills/etiquette (n = 3), and monitoring quality (n = 1). Formats included: presentations (n = 3), paper-based resources (n = 3), or e-learning modules (n = 1). No training programs were rigorously evaluated. Training in telephone nursing symptom support across oncology programs is variable. Opportunities exist to identify core competencies and evaluate if training programs enhance delivery of remote cancer symptom support.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stacey
authors.forename: Meg
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carley
authors.forename: Jagbir
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kohli
authors.forename: Myriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skrutkowski
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Avery
authors.forename: Astride M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bazile
authors.forename: Arlene
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Court
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Budz
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013689:Telephone