Purpose: Continuity clinics (
CCS) give trainees an opportunity for longitudinal follow-up of a patient cohort. Trainees can function in a semi-autonomous manner and prepare for independent practice. Data about such clinics in Canada are limited. Our objective was to assess the utility of
CCS in Canadian oncology training programs.
Methods: Surveys were developed by the authors for (1) medical and radiation oncology program directors (
PDS) and trainees, to assess the utility of
CCS in Canadian oncology training programs. (2) oncology patients, to assess their attitudes toward
CCS. The
PDS were contacted by e-mail, using the Web site of the Canadian Resident Matching Service; the trainees were contacted by e-mail through the
PDS and their administrative assistants. Surveys were distributed electronically using SurveyMonkey. Patients were approached by staff oncologists during follow-up visits at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.
Results: Completed surveys were received from 33% of trainees and 63% of
PDS contacted; patient surveys were completed by 95 patients. Participation in a cc was reported by 47% of responding
PDS and 37% of responding trainees. Among respondents, 80% rated the
CCS as “important” or “very important” to training. The biggest challenge identified by trainees and
PDS was lack of clinic space. Most
PDS (57%) and trainees (59%) felt that the staff oncologist should review the patient only if the trainee has concerns, but only 37% of patients shared that view (
p = 0.0002). However, many patients expressed the desire to participate in trainee education.
Conclusions: Continuity clinics are considered beneficial by
PDS and trainees. Patients desire more trainee supervision than the trainees themselves and the
PDS do, a factor that should be considered when implementing a
CC.
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