Developing an online CPD module on management of breast cancer for general practitioners in Sri Lanka: A need analysis

Thanya I. Pathirana, Indika Karunathilake, Sujeewa P. W. Palagama, Ishra Nazeer

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Abstract

The prevalence of breast cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. A need analysis was carried out to identify
the learning needs and utilization of currently available learning resources on breast cancer
management among the general practitioners (GPs) in Sri Lanka. A pretested questionnaire was
posted to 210 GPs affiliated to College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics. Response rate was 55.2%. Fifty nine (50.9%) participants were aged
between 31-50 years and 77 (66.4%) were males. Majority 87(75%) had not previously taken part in
any CPD program on breast cancer management. Awareness on the guide for primary care doctors
and family physicians on management of breast symptoms (31, 26.7%) and national guidelines on
management of breast carcinoma (20, 17.2%) were markedly low. Although majority (99, 85.3%)
reported a medium to high involvement in referral, 77(66.4%) admitted of low involvement in shared
follow up care while 72(62.1%) reported low involvement in palliative care. Accordingly, palliative care
(68,58.6%) and shared follow up care(77,66.4%) were identified to be among the top two priority
areas to be included in a future CPD module. Majority (83, 71.5%) preferred either online or blended
modes of learning. In conclusion, participation of GPs in CPD programs on breast cancer
management and awareness on current guidelines are deficient. Although current involvement in
referral of breast cancer patients for tertiary care is substantial, involvement in shared follow up care
and palliative care is low. Thus, a future online CPD module should be established with greater
emphasize on these areas.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-4
Number of pages5
JournalSouth-East Asian Journal of Medical Education
Volume9
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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