A study to quantify knowledge obtained during the british oncology pharmacy association (BOPA) introduction to oncology (ITO) course

Abstract

Introduction The British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) Introduction to Oncology (ITO) course has run for over 20 years. The ITO course is provided free of charge to BOPA PAID members, and there was an increase in cost moving to a two-day event in 2023. The BOPA Education and Training (E&T) subcommittee and BOPA Executive Committee wanted to validate that the course was meeting its objective of improving the baseline knowledge of the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians attending, and therefore justifying the increased cost to BOPA and employing organisations.Method During the ITO course in November 2023, quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire-based survey with 5-point Likert scales. This was administered to delegates at the start of each respective day to assess baseline knowledge level. Another survey was administered at the end of each respective day to re-assess knowledge level.Results There is a positive overall change for all sessions. This ranged from a + 0.92 to +1.76 improvement across the board. This was applicable regardless of profession. For all responders the greatest improvement of knowledge was seen in A. 'Extravasation of SACT' session (+1.76), 'Oncological Emergencies' (+1.51) and 'The cancer patient pathway' (+1.51) B. those with less than 6 months experience (+1.54).Conclusion This study has demonstrated that overall the ITO course improved the baseline knowledge of the delegates attending the course (+1.21). The delegates were also more confident in verifying SACT prescriptions after the course.