Methodology and Efficacy of Weekly SA-CME Web-Based Radiation Oncology Educational Conference in a Large Integrated Cancer Network

Abstract

Purpose: Following completion of residency, self-directed learning is needed to ensure practicing radiation oncologists remain up to date on relevant clinical literature and changes in the field which can directly impact patient care. We created a weekly web-based radiation oncology educational conference to help facilitate learning across our large integrated cancer network with over 25 national and international radiation oncology centers. Approach/Methods: We arranged for residents and attending physicians at both academic and community sites to present cases during a one-hour weekly session via the Microsoft Teams platform, with discussion led by a teaching faculty. Prior to each session, relevant articles were provided to all physicians, physicists, and dosimetrists across the network. During the case presentations, various aspects of the case were discussed to determine how attendees would approach treatment of the case being presented, as well as emphasize contouring guidelines and clinically relevant literature. SA-CME questions were sent out following each session to assess comprehension. A mid-year survey was sent out to assess quality of sessions and determine whether practice was changing based on newer data discussed. Results/Outcomes: 30 out of 60 attending physicians practicing across the integrated network responded to the survey. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best score, median overall rating of quality of sessions was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4.25-5) and median rating of post-session SA-CME questions was 5 (IQR 4-5). There was adoption of newer practices based on data discussed, with 6 physicians (20%) reporting new adoption of 5-fraction regimens for early-stage breast cancer, 12 physicians (40%) reporting changes in pelvic nodal contouring, and 12 physicians (40%) reporting new adoption of hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy in appropriately selected patients. Discussion(s): Response to the weekly web-based radiation oncology educational conferences was positive. There were changes across multiple domains in regular practice of radiation oncology following the first several months of sessions. The sessions allowed colleagues across the entire network to connect and learn from each other in a meaningful way. Significance: While self-directed learning remains essential for modern practice of radiation oncology, web-based radiation oncology collaborative conferences can help further the ultimate goals of improving patient care and ensuring participants remain as up to date as possible with modern radiation therapy treatment techniques and literature. Keywords: Web-based educational sessionsCopyright © 2021