Cancer care e-learning course could help community physios

Katharine Malhotra: I hope the course will give clinicians a greater insight into what people with cancer are experiencing

The course was developed by specialists at the Royal Marsden School, including physiotherapist and lecturer Katharine Malhotra, who said that it had been designed for physios and other health professionals of all grades.

It is designed to provide an overview of key issues in cancer care and to raise awareness of them.

‘I hope it will give clinicians a greater insight into what people with cancer are experiencing, after they have been diagnosed and are coping with treatment,’ said Ms Malhotra, who is member of the executive committee of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care.

The modules – which include videos, quizzes and ‘deeper dive’ resources – are available online and source files can be downloaded and used within a learning management system or virtual learning environment.

‘Although this course has been designed for community staff, I think it would be a useful resource for anyone who encounter cancer patients, because it helps you to understand what people are going through,’ Ms Malhotra added.

The course was commissioned by Health Education South London. Staff who were consulted during the development of the course included Joanna Walls, a community physio in south London.