Background:
Advances in cancer treatment, including immunotherapies, targeted therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and cellular therapies, have transformed clinical practice and expanded the knowledge and skills required of health professionals. As these therapies become routine, contemporary education is essential to support the safe treatment delivery, management of unique toxicities, and evidence-based, patient-centred care.
Developed in 2018, the eviQ Education monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors (MABs and ICIs) course addressed the educational needs of these emerging therapies. As they are now established in practice, redevelopment provides an opportunity to incorporate education on newer therapies and align with contemporary models of care.
Aim:
To redevelop the MABs and ICIs course into a contemporary online immunotherapy education program that addresses emerging cancer therapies and is informed by a learning needs analysis of cancer health professionals.
Methods:
A national survey was conducted to identify learning needs, preferred education formats, and competency requirements. The survey was disseminated through eviQ communication channels, professional organisations, and clinical networks over 48 days.
Results:
A total of 209 responses were received from experienced clinicians working in metropolitan (58%) and regional (37%) cancer services. Most respondents (82%) were in clinical or educator roles, with 56% having more than 10 years’ oncology experience. Respondents prioritised practical, point-of-care education focusing on patient assessment, treatment administration, toxicity recognition and management, and patient education with short, modular online learning identified as the preferred format. Education on emerging therapies was identified as key alongside improved awareness of existing eviQ education resources.
Conclusion:
The learning needs analysis informed redevelopment of the MABs and ICIs course into a contemporary, nationally standardised online immunotherapy program. Resources will be co-designed with a clinical advisory committee and externally reviewed to ensure evidence-informed, clinically relevant education aligned with contemporary clinical practice nationwide.