Resources and professional development opportunities for health and community service professionals.
Young people with cancer have healthcare needs that differ significantly from children and older adults as the timing of ill health coincides with a critical period of growth and development.
For healthcare professionals caring for young people and their families, understanding and responding to these needs is essential to support the delivery of high quality cancer care.
The ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service in collaboration with organisational partners in health, community and tertiary education offer a range of education and training opportunities for professionals working with young people with cancer.
We also offer group programs and resources for young people and families.
WEB-BASED
Addressing sleep difficulties in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer (October 2022)
Intended audience: multidisciplinary health and community service professionals with an interest in youth mental health or sleep.
Up to 50% of young people with cancer experience ongoing sleep problems that can significantly impact upon life and function. Presented by the Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s Department of Psychology, this webinar explored common sleep issues in AYA (aged 15 to 25 years) and evidence-based strategies for addressing them.
While traditional CBT is the ideal first line treatment for insomnia, self-management CBT resources are also effective, particularly if combined with psychoeducation. The AYA Can-Sleep guide for young people is now available for this purpose- please feel free to use in the context of your clinical discussions and provide as a resource to young people as appropriate.
More information about improving night-time sleep problems for your AYA patients and clients can also be found here.
A quarterly email-based newsletter for Victorian clinicians from all disciplines providing info on AYA cancer-related clinical issues, services, research, professional development opportunities and more.
See select articles from recent issues or join the mailing list.
Two freely available introductory-level learning modules for clinical and non-clinical professionals that aim to provide a snapshot of key issues, topics and concepts in AYA oncology and cancer care.
Delivered via the QStream platform, modules employ an approach to spaced education backed by a strong evidence base to support its efficacy and acceptability. Modules are comprised entirely of multiple choice questions and answers (with background material and further resources) delivered to your email inbox at regular and repeated intervals. Takes just a few minutes per day.
March 2023: These modules are currently being updated and will be back online soon.
Four freely available 30-minute modules aimed at nurses and other healthcare professionals wishing to develop their knowledge and practice skills in AYA cancer care.
Visit eviQ Education for more information and module access.
Two freely available 45-minute modules aimed at primary care nurses and other community-based professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge and practice skills in the care of young people with cancer.
Visit eviQ Education for more information and module access.
A University of Melbourne accredited course for multidisciplinary health and community professionals, offered part-time via blended delivery or fully online. The course can be completed in as little as one year and scholarships are available.
Visit the Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Adolescent Health and University of Melbourne course pages for more information. A health promotion stream of this course (Grad Cert, Grad Dip and Masters) is also available.
This postgraduate subject offered through the University of Melbourne features a two-week module on AYA cancer care. It can be taken as a single subject or as part of a Specialist Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Master in Cancer Sciences.
IN PERSON
Details of upcoming in-person education and training opportunities will be listed here when available.
EXTERNAL/INTERNATIONAL OFFERINGS
Web-based AYA programs offered by external/overseas providers.
- Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility (ECHO) – an 8-week US-based online training program that includes psychosocial, biological, clinical and skills building modules to help oncology allied health professionals communicate timely and relevant information regarding reproductive health to their AYA patients. The program is provided at no cost but is only offered at specific times throughout the year.
- LOVE ECHO – a freely available online module on providing affirming, inclusive care to LGBTIQ+ AYA cancer patients and survivors.
- Coventry University (UK) – a freely available e-learning webapp on the key principles of care for AYA and an accredited online postgraduate certificate in AYA cancer care.
- ESMO e-learning: Cancer in AYA – a 1.5-hour recorded presentation aimed at medical oncologists on cancer in adolescents and young adults.
ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Educational resources and opportunities relating to the field of adolescent health, a key influence in and contributor to the development of best practice in AYA cancer care.
- Working effectively with young people: HEEADSSS – a series of videos for health professionals on how to use HEEADSSS conversations to engage young people and do a holistic assessment
- Adolescent Health GP Resource Kit (2nd ed) – a guide to promoting and providing better healthcare to young people (PDF also available)
- Youth Health Resource Kit – information for a range of health workers about the specific health needs of young people and skills and practical steps to respond effectively
- Global Adolescent Health – a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the University of Melbourne and the RCH Centre for Adolescent Health
- Adolescent Health and Wellbeing – fully online accredited courses (Grad Cert, Grad Dip and Master) for multidisciplinary health and community service professionals available through the University of Melbourne and delivered by the RCH Centre for Adolescent Health
- RACP Working with Adolescents and Young Adults - online course aimed at basic trainees and any physicians wanting to refresh their knowledge of AYA health (RACP members only)
