Development and implementation of a pharmacy introductory cancer care program: Impacts on employee knowledge, engagement and retention

IntroductionProvision of education and training is essential when transitioning staff into specialist practice areas within pharmacy. While many professional organisations provide high-quality cancer/oncology education programs, they are non-specific to the policies, workflows, and resources of service providers. Furthermore, effective training and education programs can be a tool to increase staff engagement and retention. Our organisation developed a pharmacy Introduction to Cancer Care (ICC) program to address these needs.MethodThe ICC program utilised online learning modules and a two-day face-to-face workshop. The program targeted pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy technicians new to cancer care and was facilitated by experienced pharmacists. Two evaluations were provided to participants, the first immediately post-program completion and the second, one-month post-program completion. The evaluations contained questions answered on a Likert Scale. Finally, staff retention rates were calculated at 6 months post-program.ResultsFour sessions of the program were conducted between April 2023 and April 2024, with 24 pharmacists, six intern pharmacists and five technicians completing the program. Of the participants 89% (n = 31) provided responses to the evaluation on program completion and 31% (n = 9) to the evaluation at one-month post-program completion. Retention rates at six months post-program were found to be 100% for pharmacists (n = 24), intern pharmacists (n = 6) and technicians (n = 5).ConclusionEvaluation responses were overwhelmingly positive, with all participants finding the program beneficial, increasing their interest in cancer care. Finally, all participants were still employed at the organisation six months post-program completion. Our program demonstrates ability of effective training and education programs to enhance staff learning and have positive impacts on engagement.