Continuity clinics in oncology training programs in Canada | Croke | Current Oncology

Continuity clinics in oncology training programs in Canada | Croke | Current Oncology

"Level of Supervision

Most pd s and trainees felt that the staff oncologist should review the patient with the trainee only when the trainee raises concerns (57% vs. 59%), but only 37% of patients shared that view ( p = 0.0002). Conversely, 63% of patients felt that the staff oncologist should review the patient with the trainee at every visit, either inside (27%) or outside (36%) the exam room (Figure 1)."

"Patient Participation

Of patient respondents, 48% (46 of 95) responded that they would feel comfortable having a trainee conduct the initial consult, and 66% (63 of 95) stated they would feel comfortable with a trainee making treatment recommendations. The main concerns about cc s highlighted by patients included the potential for discontinuity of care as residents rotate through the clinic, a lack of experience on the part of the trainee, and a lack of competence for clinical decision-making. Patients stated that potential benefits include the possibility that trainees may have more time to spend with patients and that cc s may decrease overall wait times. Furthermore, many patients indicated a desire to participate in trainee education."

Conclusions

Continuity clinics are considered beneficial by pd s and trainees. Patients desire more trainee supervision than the trainees themselves and the pd s do, a factor that should be considered when implementing a cc .