The Art and Science of Cancer Education and Evaluation: Toward Facilitating Improved Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Cancer education is a constantly evolving field, as science continues to advance both our understanding of cancer and its effects on patients, families, and communities. Moving discoveries to practice expeditiously is paramount to impacting cancer outcomes. The continuing education of cancer care professionals throughout their practice life is vital to facilitating the adoption of therapeutic innovations. Meanwhile, more general educational programs serve to keep cancer patients, their families, and the public informed of the latest findings in cancer research. The National Cancer Institute conducted an assessment of the current knowledge base for cancer education which involved two literature reviews, one of the general literature of the evaluation of medical and health education efforts, and the other of the preceding 5 years of the Journal of Cancer Education (JCE). These reviews explored a wide range of educational models and methodologies. In general, those that were most effective used multiple methodologies, interactive techniques, and multiple exposures over time. Less than one third of the articles in the JCE reported on a cancer education or communication product, and of these, only 70% had been evaluated for effectiveness. Recommendations to improve the evaluation of cancer education and the educational focus of the JCE are provided.

Gender differences in health education needs and preferences of Saudis attending Riyadh Military Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…[10] This effectiveness has increased with the use of versatile methodologies and interactive techniques. [11] Most importantly, the interventions with community participation have proved more effective. [1213] Moreover, recipients’ preferences of information and participation which differ according to time, setting, as well as their characteristics must be taken into account.…”

A Mixed Methodology Retrospective Analysis of the Learning Experience of Final Year Medical Students Attached to a 1-Week Intensive Palliative Care Course Based at an Australian University

“…Substantive work determining the efficacy of varying teaching styles in different medical disciplines suggests that multiple educational methodologies implemented together with interactive techniques are most effective particularly when combined with repeated exposures. [19][20] It is further recognized that students vary in their learning styles and thus a ''one-size-fits-all'' model is difficult to achieve. 21 There are strengths and weaknesses to this study.…”

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: What Is Known About It?

“…In addition, providing evidence-based education to patients has become recognized as standard of care. Research has shown that most effective educational methods include patient decision aids, counseling, videos, computer-based information or education, and interactive computer and multimedia interventions (Johnson et al, 2011).…”