Free online cancer education launched in West Yorkshire and Harrogate
A new online cancer education website, already being used by 1,200 other primary care staff across the UK, is now available for free to primary care professionals across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
GatewayC is an interactive online portal with a range of courses supporting work around early diagnosis and living with and beyond cancer, and key areas including lung and colorectal cancers. The learning is designed to support primary care staff in the early detection of cancer, support the achievement of the 28 and 62 day national cancer standards, and improve the patient experience of the referral process.
The website was developed in Manchester as part of a Cancer Vanguard Programme, and following a successful pilot, is now being used in nine Cancer Alliances across the UK.
GatewayC courses focus on symptom recognition and clinical decision making through realistic, filmed patient consultations, specialist interviews and supporting activities. Each course can be completed at an individual's own pace and offers a minimum of two hours continuing professional development upon completion.
The learning has been developed in collaboration with GPs, patients, specialists and charities and has been endorsed by both Cancer Research UK and Macmillan.
Evaluation of the programme has shown:
- 85% of surveyed GPs felt more confident knowing when to refer patients on a suspected cancer referral after using GatewayC.
- 94% of GPs referred back to learning from GatewayC during a consultation
- 85% of GPs reported improved recognition of symptoms meriting suspected cancer referral
More information, including details on how to register for a free account, visit www.gatewayc.org.uk/register or email the GatewayC team at gatewayc@christie.nhs.uk
