The document describes an education program for advanced practice providers (APPs) in oncology that was piloted in Florida. It aimed to provide a practical, evidence-based one-day course to address gaps in APP knowledge and empower them in patient care. Evaluation found the course highly rated and practice-changing for participants, filling a key need. It increased oncology knowledge and competence for managing patients. Participants suggested discussing more practical topics in future sessions to further support APP practice.

1. Associate Professor of Medicine
Vice Chair of Hematology/Oncology for Education
Mayo Clinic Florida

3. 1. Describe to leaners the basic modalities and
practice relevant topics to empower them in
their practice
2. Develop understanding of the therapeutic
targets in treatment and applications
3. Instill a multimodality mindset in learners

5. A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or
other medications, such as targeted therapy.
A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue
during an operation. He or she also performs certain types
of biopsies.
A radiation oncologist treats cancer using radiation therapy.
A gynecologic oncologist treats gynecologic cancers, such
as uterine cancer and cervical cancer.
A pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. Some types
of cancer occur most often in children and teenagers, such
as certain brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma, and
Ewing’s sarcoma.

6. Stage 0. This stage describes cancer in situ, which means “in place.” Stage 0
cancers are still located in the place they started and have not spread to nearby
tissues. This stage of cancer is often highly curable, usually by removing the
entire tumor with surgery.
Stage I. This stage is usually a small cancer or tumor that has not grown deeply
into nearby tissues. It also has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of
the body. It is often called early-stage cancer.
Stage II and III. These stages indicate larger cancers or tumors that have grown
more deeply into nearby tissue. They may have also spread to lymph nodes but
not to other parts of the body.
Stage IV. This stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts
of the body. It may also be called advanced or metastatic cancer

7.  Surgery
 Radiation
 Chemotherapy
 Immunotherapy
 Targeted treatment
 Supportive care/symptom control
 Palliative care

9. The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
(FLASCO) formed a task force to pilot an
education program that is relevant, practical
and evidenced based for APP.
A needs assessment for the program was made
and it was determined that such a program was
needed.
A one day course was conducted February 27,
2016 in Tampa, Florida

10.  21/26 participants agreed to fill up the
survey.
 18 practices represented
 17/21 (81%) were nurse practitioners, 4/21
(19%) physician assistants, and 10/21 (47.6%)
had 0-5 years of experience in H/O. 16/20
gave the course an excellent rating and 4/20
rated it very good.

11.  History and physical examination 9/20,
 basic pharmacology 9/20,
 hematology 6/20
 oncologic emergencies 6/20.
 16/20 rates it as practice changing.

12.  Filled a professional gap 23/23 (100%)
 increase knowledge significantly 16/23
 change competence significantly and
moderately 21/23 91%,
 change and motivate them to change patient
care 19/21 (83%) of the time

13.  Overall satisfaction of the course was 100%
 Post course survey at 6 months, 3/21
answered the survey. All were able to apply
what they learned from the conference, at
least one topic changed the way they
managed patient, and they suggested more
practical issues to be discussed in the next
conference.