Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Development and implementation of patient-reported outcome measures online training in Western Sydney Local Health District Cancer Services (142957)

Chindhu Shunmuga Sundaram 1 2 , Haryana Dhillon 1 , Nicholas Wilcken 3 , Sandra Turner 2 4 , Melanie Rabbets 3 , Rosemary Habib 3 , Verity Ahern 2 5 , Puma Sundaresan 2 4
  1. Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Radiation Oncology Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Department of Medical Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  4. Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background: International guidelines advocate integrating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) into routine cancer care. However, there are many barriers to clinical implementation including at the health professional (HP) level. We aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an online training module for HPs working across two cancer services in Western Sydney, to address their education needs.  

 

Methods: An initial needs analysis using mixed methods (n=60 survey; n=23 interviews) identified significant gaps in PROM-related knowledge and confidence. In response, targeted, self-paced online modules (taking 20-30 minutes to complete) on PROMs (covering rationale for, relevance, interpretation, and utility in routine care) was developed using Articulate Rise 360. The program launched on 19 February 2026, via access links embedded in email invitations to cancer services staff, across the two Western Sydney Cancer Services. Evaluation of this implementation (uptake and acceptability) is currently ongoing via platform analytics and post-training surveys.

 

Results: Preliminary data within the first three weeks of implementation indicate 43 HPs clicked through the invitation and 36 commenced training. Of 18 staff who completed all training modules 16 (medical staff = 7; radiation therapists = 5, nursing staff = 4) completed post-training evaluation. Analysis demonstrates high acceptability: 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that objectives were clear, content was accessible, and learning goals were achieved. Qualitative feedback praised the practical relevance and conciseness of the modules, with suggestions for additional case studies to further support clinical integration.

 

Conclusion: A needs-informed, short, online training model is a feasible and acceptable strategy for addressing HP-level barriers to PROM use in cancer care. Future iterations involve expanding the curriculum to include role-play simulations of patient-clinician PROM discussions. This pilot provides a scalable framework for supporting standardized PROM implementation within multidisciplinary oncology pathways.