eviQ Cancer Treatments Online: Providing evidence-based information to improve cancer patient outcomes.

AIM: To understand the current usage of eviQ Cancer Treatments Online (www.eviQ.org.au), an Australian, open-access website providing evidence-based and consensus-driven cancer treatment protocols and information, and the extent to which it is meeting its intended outcomes and providing value to its users. METHODS: A mixed-method evaluation was conducted in 2020-2022 which included a review of key program documentation and website usage data, and delivery of a focused online survey to its users. RESULTS: In 2022, 329 clinicians representing all Australian states and territories contributed to eviQ content development and review. eviQ content continues to grow with a 15.2% increase in total content from 2019 to 2022.  eviQ website users continue to grow with 90,000 total monthly users in 2022, representing a 166% increase from 2018. The proportion of international users compared to Australian users continues to grow with 57% of total users in Australia and 43% international in 2022. Of 466 survey responses, the most cited reason for eviQ use was for information on side effects/toxicity (67%). Ninety-three percent (93%) of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that eviQ contributed to both health professionals providing the best evidence-based treatment and care and improving the standardization of treatment and care provided. CONCLUSION:  eviQ is embedded in Australian clinical practice, highly valued, and relied upon by users. Users agree that eviQ has a positive impact on patients by supporting the delivery of evidence-based treatment and that eviQ contributed to patients' improved health outcomes and quality of life. eviQ's increasing international usage should be explored.

User-Led Learning Preferences to Inform Rapid Learning Online Education Supporting Evidence-Based Best Practice in Oncology.

Effective eLearning design takes into account the learning needs and styles of users. eviQ Education, a program of the Cancer Institute NSW, considered evidence from user data to develop a range of clinical education resources in formats informed by user preferences, including mini-modules, videos and webinars. Through the website and mobile app, content is available on-demand, supporting health professionals to learn anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Improving Accessibility of Continuing Professional Development for Oncology Health Professionals Through the EviQ Education App.

Oncology clinicians must participate in continuing professional development (CPD) to stay up to date with best practice. The Cancer Institute NSW eviQ Education program produces evidence-based, peer-reviewed eLearning resources for oncology professionals. In response to user feedback, eviQ Education trialled a mobile app, EdApp, to improve accessibility of self-directed CPD materials. Following a pilot, users indicated that the EdApp improved CPD accessibility and user experience. EdApp will continue to be used to support evidence-based practice.

Enhancing Clinical Safety and Cancer Patient Experience Through Comprehensive eLearning on Central Venous Access Devices.

Health practitioners often insert and maintain central venous access devices (CVADs) as part of cancer care. One in four CVADs prematurely fail, which is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and a negative impact on quality of life. To support implementation of updated guidelines, eviQ Education developed a comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based CVADs eLearning package. An evaluation indicated that the eLearning supported clinicians' practice and increased knowledge and clinical competency in CVAD insertion and management.

Women's Preferences for Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

PURPOSE: The primary treatment recommended for early-stage breast cancer is breast conserving surgery followed by external beam radiation therapy of the whole breast. Previously, radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer was given using more fractions over longer durations. Guidelines support treatments with fewer fractions over a shorter time (hypofractionated radiation therapy). This study aimed to understand women's preferences for different features of treatments for early-stage breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A discrete choice experiment with 12 choice tasks was conducted, describing the treatments by extent of surgery, duration of radiation treatment, need to relocate for treatment, local side effects, changes in breast appearance, costs, and difficulty with daily activities during and after treatment. Participants were women with breast cancer and from the general population. Mixed logit analyses were conducted and trade-offs between attributes estimated. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty respondents completed the discrete choice experiment. The relative importance of attributes varied by respondent characteristics; the most influential attribute for younger women was type of surgery (breast conserving surgery). Type of surgery did not influence older women's preferences. Shorter treatment duration, avoiding relocation, fewer local side effects, and less difficulty with daily activities all positively influenced treatment preference. Younger women were willing to accept 32 to 40 days of radiation treatment before a treatment that included mastectomy was potentially acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Attributes of treatment such as duration, need for relocation, side effects, and effects on normal daily activities during and after treatment significantly influenced women's preference for treatment, including surgery. Our findings have the potential for real impact for patients and services including supporting one-on-one clinical discussions, supporting program and patient resource development, and informing service funding, organization, and delivery.