Mainstreaming of genomics in oncology: a nationwide survey of the genomics training needs of UK oncologists

Abstract

Genomics is rapidly changing treatment paradigms for cancers, obligating oncologists to have good genomics knowledge. Through this survey, we aimed to assess the current understanding of cancer genomics among UK oncologists. MethodsWe conducted a web-based nation-wide self-assessment survey of the cancer genomics knowledge of UK clinical and medical oncology trainees and consultants. ResultsIn total, 150 oncologists (81 consultants and 69 trainees) responded, representing 10% of UK oncologists.Formal training in genomics had not been received by 38.7% of oncologists and 92.7% identified a need for additional genomics training.In total, 71.3% self-reported to have good knowledge of defining somatic and germline mutations, falling to 35.3% for understanding principles of gene expression and regulation. Knowledge of cancer-predisposing syndromes was highest for Lynch syndrome (40.7% good knowledge) and lowest for multiple endocrine neoplasia (14.0% good knowledge).Overall, 49.0% of respondents had consented patients for germline testing, but 80.7% reported a lack of training in genetic counselling. Conclusion Large knowledge gaps have been identified through this survey, highlighting the need for incorporation of improved formal training in cancer genomics for consultants and trainees, with

Workforce Implications of Increased Referrals to Hereditary Cancer Services in Canada: A Scenario-Based Analysis

“…In addition, mainstreaming appears to lead to dramatically increased uptake of hereditary cancer testing for at least some types of cancer patients [ 27 ], which could itself increase the need for GCs for post-test counseling. Moreover, barriers to the widespread implementation of mainstreaming include self-reported inadequacies in knowledge (e.g., 92.7% of recently surveyed oncologists indicated a need for additional training in genomics [ 28 ]), as well as lack of time in clinical appointments [ 26 ] and concerns about workload [ 29 ] expressed by non-genetics healthcare providers (NGHCPs). The former could in principle be addressed by training initiatives as well as clinical decision support tools [ 30 ], while the latter could potentially be alleviated by the use of digital decision aids or patient education tools [ 31 ].…”

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“…Analysis of tumor tissue is the preferred choice for the diagnosis of LS in order to search for the same mutations in the proband’s siblings. However, if tumor tissue is not available, or if a universal screening strategy has not been adopted, patients with a probability of more than 5%, using clinical prediction models, or who fulfil classic clinical criteria should undergo genetic counselling [ 9 , 87 ].…”

Opportunities and challenges of 5G network technology toward precision medicine

“…122 According to a recent survey involving 150 oncologists, representing 10% of UK oncologists, it was reported that 92.7% of them expressed the need for additional genomics training to equip themselves for advances in clinical practice for genomics in oncology. 123 Therefore, innovation in educating healthcare providers and patients to acquire knowledge and skills in leveraging this rapid advance in precision medicine technologies is vital. This was supported by the findings from Rahman et al 124 who suggested that tailored educational and training interventions are necessary to enhance the confidence level of oncologists and oncology nurses in adopting genomic testing into clinical practice in the era of precision medicine.…”

“…According to a recent survey involving 150 oncologists, representing 10% of UK oncologists, it was reported that 92.7% of them expressed the need for additional genomics training to equip themselves for advances in clinical practice for genomics in oncology 123 . Therefore, innovation in educating healthcare providers and patients to acquire knowledge and skills in leveraging this rapid advance in precision medicine technologies is vital.…”