RESUMEN

The role of the facilitator is known to be important in fostering productive interprofessional education (IPE) in the face-to-face (F2F) environment. Online learning can help surmount some of the logistical challenges in IPE by bringing together diverse professionals in multiple geographical locations. Best practices in F2F IPE facilitation are beginning to emerge, but there is scant literature examining IPE facilitation online. What little research exists has focused on the asynchronous environment and suggests that the skill sets of online and F2F facilitators have considerable overlap, but there are further demands in the online setting. This qualitative study sought to examine online synchronous IPE facilitation through the self-reported experiences of seven trained facilitators during a 12-week online course. Data collected through focus groups and targeted interviews were analyzed by the research team using constant comparison techniques. Four major themes were revealed: technology as a dynamic force, reduction in non-verbal cues, evolution of the online IPE group process over time and the importance of co-facilitation. The foundations of IPE facilitation were seen to carry over to the online setting. This study has implications for the training of IPE facilitators and for the design of online IPE learning experiences.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The use of decision aids (DAs) have been advocated in cancer decisions to help patients understand treatment options and to promote patient involvement in the treatment decision. Although the challenges of involving older patients in treatment decision making have been highlighted, decisional support for older early-stage breast cancer patients has not been established yet. This study reports on the development of a DA prototype and the initial assessment of it. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a preliminary testing of the DA prototype to ensure that the format and information presented is clear and acceptable to patients. RESEARCH DESIGN: Twelve one-on-one interviews were conducted with women over the age of 70 diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer after radiation therapy from an academic cancer centre. RESULTS: The overall impression of the DA prototype was favorable with all participants rating the tool as extremely acceptable. All participants felt that this tool would be helpful for older women with early-stage breast cancer making decisions about treatments and would recommend its use in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Similar to previous literature, we found that older breast cancer patients experienced difficulties expressing their concerns and found it challenging to participate in treatment decisions. These findings led to the next steps in the development of a DA for older early-stage breast cancer patients.

RESUMEN

The study aims to investigate the information needs and unique illness experiences of older women with early stage breast cancer. Breast cancer patients have expressed a high need for information to help them cope with their disease and treatment decision making. Satisfying information needs can also improve patient outcomes including perceptions of control, levels of distress, and psychological well-being. Focus groups and one patient interview were conducted investigating the informational needs of patients 70 years or older who were diagnosed with stage I breast cancer. Women identified their experiences and information needs related to diagnosis, participation in treatment decision making, treatment onset, and unexpected life changes. They provided several suggestions to healthcare professionals related to breast cancer treatment. The study's findings increase our understanding of older breast cancer patients' needs and provide a foundation for the development of a decision aid to help patients better understand their treatment options.

Asunto(s)