Workshops

1. Advancing Social & Community Participation in Cancer Education

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM EDT (UTC -4:00)

Abstract: If you are responsible for—or engaged or interested in—advancing social/community participation (also termed community engagement) in health (SPH) in your local area, this session provides information on the Making Change Visible resource to help you plan and implement an evaluation of your work and its impact. The Resource was developed by an international team coordinated by Training and Research Support Centre and with support from supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Global Ideas Fund at CAF America. The session will provide information and visuals of the resource, offer concrete examples of how to utilize the worksheets and tools, will link to in the Shaping Health online community and suggest how to connect for anyone interested in using the Resource.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant shall be able to list the 5 modules of the Making Change Visible resource.
• The participant shall be able to describe how to measure the impact of community engagement in cancer education programming.

Workshop Faculty:

• Ruth Dudding, CHES, Athens City County Health Department
• Melissa Thomas, PhD, MSPH, MSA, MCHES, C.CHW, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Center for Appalachia Research in Cancer Education

2. Integrating Patients as Educators in Training and Continuing Professional Development Programs

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM EDT (UTC -4:00)

Abstract: Purpose: Patient Engagement (PE) in medical education is associated with enhanced empathy from health care providers, increased learner satisfaction, and strengthened technical and interpersonal skills. Through discussion of ethical approaches and application of PE in medical and allied health care professional programs, as well as analyses of existing frameworks and policies surrounding PE, this workshop will equip participants with the necessary information and basic skills to engage patients in medical and CPD education at their own institutions. Rationale: This workshop will be presented by two presenters, one of which specializes in continuing professional development (CPD) programming from the University of Toronto’s Department of Radiation Oncology, and the other one with a specialization in the involvement of patients as teachers to medical students, affiliated with the University of Arizona’s Department of Medicine. As the literature on PE is constantly evolving, this workshop will provide a broad overview, including challenges and frameworks, to PE in allied health professional education programs. Methods: The workshop will incorporate various interactive components, including small-group discussions of past experiences related to PE, discussion of potential solutions to case study challenges, and a Q&A component. The workshop will also present a reel to highlight patients’ experiences and feeling towards being involved in healthcare education. In addition, we will communicate with the workshop participants prior the workshop to tailor the content to address specific questions and interests, as well as to share pre-workshop recommended readings. The workshop presenters will also be available for post-workshop communication with participants to serve as consultants for the application of the workshop content into scholarship initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants shall be able to identify various barriers, challenges, potential solutions, and the feasibility of CPD initiatives in cancer education.
• Participants shall be able to identify the specific duties of their role in training medical and allied healthcare professionals.
• Participants shall be able to apply a framework to develop CPD activities for medical and allied health care providers and trainees at their institutions.

Workshop Faculty:

• Ewa Szumacher, MD, FAACE, Odette Sunnybrook Cancer Centre and University of Toronto
• Krista Dawdy, Odette Sunnybrook Cancer Centre
• Maria Bishop, MD, FACP, FAACE, BSN, University of Arizona Cancer Center
• Shereen Akkila, Odette Sunnybrook Cancer Centre

3. Building Better Learning Experiences in Cancer Education with Advanced Serious Play

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM EDT (UTC -4:00)

Abstract: A learning experience in the context of Cancer Education is highly conditioned by the information format and the emotional connection of the participants with the media/materials. The purpose of our workshop is to provide educators with a new methodology (Serious Play®) based upon the iconic LEGO bricks that unconsciously will foster a deeper emotional engagement of learners. This media allows participatory and co-creative practices that will increase cancer literacy while improving knowledge and communication skills. The Serious Play® method combines different techniques in a multidimensional approach that optimizes the active learning of complex problems through a shared process. The methodology is based on many concepts from psychology, and behavioral neurosciences (Piaget, Papert, and Csíkszentmihályi) and offers patients an educational experience (often therapeutic and cathartic) that facilitates cognitive development and emotional engagement. The method provides all patients with a shared “language” regardless of culture, academic degree, or social position. The methodology encompasses communication and problem-solving techniques for groups facilitating the learning dynamic of the sessions. In the workshop participants will learn the basic concepts and advanced techniques of the Serious Play® Method and how to apply them to the cancer education context. Participants will learn about the core process – Question, Construction, Sharing, Reflection – and application techniques – making connections, building systems, playing emergents, and extracting simple guiding principles – while improving their facilitation skills. The “serious” part requires focusing on a theme/problem, while the play aspect emphasizes imagination, creativity, and sharing of information (3D model). Together these components are able to foster a deeper learning engagement. Through the proposed question, model construction, and associated metaphors, the facilitator can discuss with participants the knowledge and perspectives on a given topic/concept. Models are dynamic, serving as the basis for group discussion and sharing of new meanings while building new knowledge.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants shall be able to identify at least two significant impacts of Serious Play® methodology in the learning dynamics of cancer education sessions.
• Participants shall be able to create a cancer education initiative with 2 advanced application techniques of the Serious Play® method.
• Participants shall be able to use the 3D models to review the information and knowledge about addressed cancer topics.

Workshop Faculty:

• Filipe Santos Silva, PhD, University of Porto and IPATIMUP

4. Art therapy for weary oncology professionals - an innovative tool for improving best practices

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT (UTC -4:00)

Abstract: This hands-on experiential workshop aims to introduce and promote mindfulness-based art therapy intervention support services for oncology professionals. Since the impact of The Covid Pandemic, protecting healthcare workers' mental health is an urgent global public health priority as called on by the World Health Organization and major healthcare institutions around the globe. Increasing research shows how the arts can improve clinical skills, personal skills, and communication among healthcare professionals. The stress-producing work in the oncology profession demands caring for caregivers compassionately and inclusively. Providing consistent opportunities to decompress, process difficult emotions, experience team building, promote good self-care skills, and build opportunities for resilience is the mark of a highly effective oncology enterprise. A 2019 study at Drexel University found art therapy reduced perceived stress and burnout in professional oncology staff. A qualified art therapist can offer an oncology organization a novel cost-effective tool to use in the ongoing practice of caring for their caregivers. An introduction to the use of art therapy for the professional oncology caregiver will set the stage for this interactive workshop. Two qualified and seasoned art therapists with over 35 years of experience speak to the benefits of using mindfulness-based art therapy interventions for health care professionals. An interactive PowerPoint presentation will be included, highlighting actual professional caregivers experiencing art therapy services. This workshop will equip participants with knowledge and tools to bring an art therapy program to their professional staff. Resources will be provided for easy access to hire qualified art therapists. Protocols will be shared for adapting art therapy rationales. Participants will experience 3 mindfulness-based art therapy interventions designed to center, calm, and provide relaxation while fostering support among the participants. The participants will then have an opportunity to process their experience in the form of written narrative and discussion. No art experience is required.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants shall be able to identify 3 benefits of utilizing an art therapist for professional caregivers in oncology. Participants shall be able to demonstrate 3 resources to find a qualified professional art therapist to contract or hire.
• Participants shall be able to describe 3 art therapy interventions professional caregivers can benefit from in the cancer care setting.

Workshop Faculty:

• Dawn Freeman, MAT, ATR, Cleveland Clinic
• Lisa Shea, MA, ATR-BC, Cleveland Clinic

5. NIH’s Support of Early Career Scientists in Global Cancer Research Through the K Funding Mechanisms: Current State and New Opportunities

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 10:00 - 11:30 AM EDT (UTC -4:00)

Abstract: Workshop Purpose: Establishing a career in global cancer research is a multi-step process. While pursuit of a graduate degree may culminate the formal education process, the process of establishing oneself in a research field just begins. Understanding available opportunities for a research career, developing research ideas, working with mentors, and identifying possible sources of financial support are key components in this process. The purpose of this workshop is to provide information about available career development programs at NIH. In particular, three programs will be highlighted. The first is the International Research Scientist Development Award (K01: PAR-21-104; PAR-21-105). The second is the Pathway to Independence transition awards(K99/R00: PA-20-187; PA-20-188; PA-20-189) and third, the Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08: PA=20-201; PA-20-202; PA-20-203). These program support US-based scientists interested in a career in global cancer research. Workshop Rationale: The NCI and NIH have a long-standing commitment to research training and workforce development in cancer research. In recent years, the NCI portfolio to support research and research training in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is growing. This is because of the unique scientific opportunities to advance cancer science by including global populations in research, and the rising demand to purse these opportunities from early career investigators in the United States and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This workshop will describe the currently active NCI Center for Global Health as well as the NCI Center for Cancer Training (CCT) programs for early career investigators and provide guidance to prospective applicants to help them prepare competitive grant applications. Workshop Methods and Content: We will conduct an overview of the current NIH and NCI portfolio in global cancer research. We will also discuss the K99/R00 and K08 programs and provide examples of foreign component awards in this program. The workshop will discuss best practices in writing these career development grants and hear from successful grantees their mentors/collaborators on their lessons learned and experiences in developing the grant proposal and implementing the research.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant shall learn about three different types of NIH career development awards that allow for global cancer research.
• The participant will be able to identify specific do's and don'ts in developing career development grant applications.
• The participant will be able to identify practical steps and strategies and inform their own plans in grant writing based on experiences they hear from funded investigators in this panel.

Workshop Faculty:

• Sudha Sivaram, DrPH, MPH, National Cancer Institute
• Clement Adebamowo, BM, ChB, ScD, FWACS, FACS, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Dianna Ng, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Phuong Thao Le, MPH, PhD, New York University School of Global Public Health
• Sergey Radaev, PhD, National Cancer Institute

NCI’s Support of Cancer Research Education Through the R25 Funding Mechanisms: Current State and New Opportunities

Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM EDT (UTC -4:00), with option to order box lunch

Abstract: Workshop Purpose: The purpose of this Workshop is to provide information about R25 programs currently supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI): Cancer Research Education Grants Program and Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program. NCI’s R25 funding opportunities support various types of cancer educational activities that complement and/or enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs as well as encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in cancer research. Workshop Rationale: The NCI has supported cancer education activities of critical importance to the NCI mission through the R25 funding mechanism continuously for several decades. During these continued years of support a very broad range of participants from various backgrounds have benefited from educational activities provided by the NCI R25 educational programs. This Workshop will describe the currently active NCI Center for Cancer Training (CCT) and NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) R25 programs and provide guidance to prospective applicants to help them prepare competitive grant applications. Workshop Methods and Content: An overview of the current NCI R25 portfolio, which in Fiscal Year 2021 included 68 competing and non-competing awards with a total cost of nearly $18 million will be provided. The three NCI CCT R25 funding opportunity announcements will be described in detail, namely, Curriculum or Methods Development (PAR-21-065), Courses for Skills Development (PAR-21-278), and Research Experiences (PAR-21-279). The workshop will also provide an overview of the recently published the NCI CRCHD R25 Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (RFA-CA-21-020) with detailed description of the program’s goals, activities and intended participants. The salient characteristics of the funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) will be summarized and useful tips for prospective R25 applicants to consider when preparing competitive applications will be provided. Examples of ongoing successful R25 programs that have been competitively renewed will be presented by their Principal Investigators.

Learning Objectives:

• The participants shall be able to understand differences between the different types of the current NCI R25 FOAs and select the most appropriate FOA for their cancer education projects.

Workshop Faculty:

• Sergey Radaev, PhD, National Cancer Institute
• Belem López, PhD, National Cancer Institute
• Bret Hassel, PhD, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Shine Chang, PhD, FAACE, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Christopher Sistrunk, PhD, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute

Virtual Workshop: 11 November 2022

Essential Skills In Cancer Education: Leadership - Leading and Influencing Change in Cancer Education

Friday, 11 November 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST  (UTC -5:00)

Abstract: This international education forum will include presentations by leading international educators, interactive sessions, breakout sessions, small group discussions of case studies, and networking opportunities with mentors. This event will bring together international cancer educators across disciplines to exchange ideas and discuss key topics in leadership in cancer education, such as effectively leading and influencing change in cancer education at different organizational or personal levels, effective communication skills and mentorship. The goals of the course are to translate the principles of leadership into action; utilize change, networking and consensus building to set, align and achieve goals in an interprofessional setting; and engage the participants in leadership in cancer education and inspire initiative for change.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants shall be able to describe different leadership styles and how they are used in different situations.
• Participants shall be able to define the steps needed to initiate change in practice.
• Participants shall be able to address the challenges and communication gaps.
• Participants shall be able to develop productive/effective mentoring relationships.

Workshop Faculty:

• Ewa Szumacher, MD, FAACE, Odette Sunnybrook Cancer Centre and University of Toronto
• Radoslaw Tarkowski, MD, Wroclaw Medical University
• Maria Bishop, MD, FACP, FAACE, BSN, University of Arizona Cancer Center
• Filipe Santos-Silva, PhD, University of Porto and IPATIMUP
• Kathleen Heneghan, PhD, RN, MSN, FAACE, American College of Surgeons
• Gilad Amiel, MD, FAACE, Rambam Health Care Campus
• Jamal Khader, MD, FAACE, King Hussein Cancer Center
• David Wiljer, PhD, FAACE, University Health Network
• Krista Dawdy, MRT(T), MSc, Odette Sunnybrook Cancer Centre