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- RCGP launches new e-learning module on early diagnosis of cancer
RCGP launches new e-learning module on early diagnosis of cancer
Publication date: 07 December 2012
Early diagnosis of cancer is the subject of the latest e-learning course launched by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
The course, free to all health professionals as part of the College’s Online Learning Environment (OLE), uses realistic situations and interactive exercises to provide GPs with practical steps on how to diagnose cancer earlier.
It provides information about useful guidelines, criteria and assessment tools that can be used during consultations and guides GPs through common problems they might face when deciding whether or not to refer to a specialist.
It is estimated that in a GP’s average list of 2000 patients, there will be approximately eight new cancer cases every year, with breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancer being the most common types. More than one in three people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime and one in four deaths is cancer related.
The RCGP, in partnership with Cancer Research UK, has designated Cancer the College’s first ‘enduring priority’ and appointed Professor Greg Rubin as its first Clinical Champion for Cancer. The five year programme aims to inform, improve and innovate cancer care in general practice.
The development of the new e-learning course fulfils two of the programme’s main aims: to improve early diagnosis of cancer in primary care and to identify areas of improvement, including the development of learning toolkits and educational resources in this area.
The RCGP OLE has also produced a new Cervical Screening Update course, aimed at the whole practice team.
Developed with support from NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, it is a useful introduction and refresher on the subject and builds on the locally-based practical training and assessment advised for all NHS cervical screening sample takers.
The e-learning course explores all parts of the screening cycle from the patient receiving their first invitation to screening, to the results and interventions for abnormal results, HPV triage and test of cure.
Professor Greg Rubin, RCGP/CRUK Clinical Lead for Cancer, said
“Almost every day, GPs see patients with symptoms that could indicate cancer. They have a vital role to play in identifying those who need specialist assessment. The latest e-learning courses should provide invaluable support for GPs and colleagues working in primary care.”
RCGP elearning
Further Information
RCGP Press office - 020 3188 7574/7575/7576
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editor
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 46,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.