Publish date: 7 March 2023
Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance has launched a new course for non-clinical staff providing care for people affected by cancer.
Through the Alliance’s training and education platform, The Cancer Academy, the Principles of Cancer Care Programme (PCCP) is a course designed to improve the skills of those working in supportive cancer care through occupationally aligned education, linked with strong pastoral support.
The PCCP has been created in association with the Aspirant Cancer and Education Development (ACCEND) career pathway, core capabilities in practice (CiP) and an education framework, which were launched in January by Health Education England.
Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) has provided a successful educational programme for supportive staff in cancer care since 2017, with the aim of standardising knowledge, skills and capabilities within the workforce. The CMCA team, led by Workforce Transformation and Education Lead Sharon Rowe, has now launched the four-day PCCP, which will be delivered remotely.
The course is designed for all non-clinical staff who work with people at all points in the cancer pathway, from those in primary care with a suspected cancer diagnosis; those who facilitate people through the diagnostics pathway; and those who require support during treatment and then require ongoing monitoring. It is offered through The Cancer Academy, which was launched last October, and there will be an opportunity for staff to achieve the ACCEND Capabilities in Practice.
The course includes an understanding the pathophysiology of cancer, health inequalities in cancer care, cancer treatments and side effects, cancer terminology, screening programmes and barriers to engagement, and has strong emphasis on communication and psychological skills.
The PCCP provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer support and learning, discussions with experienced support workers, cancer navigators and cancer coordinators from primary and secondary care and an informal interaction with a person affected by cancer (PABC). It is all facilitated by healthcare professionals who have in-depth knowledge of the supportive cancer workforce and can offer guidance and support.
John Gale, CMCA Programme Manager and ACCEND Cancer Support Workforce Lead, said: “I was so pleased with the launch of the framework in January and the great work continues with the Principles of Cancer Care Programme launching across 21 cancer alliances. Special thanks to Sharon Rowe and the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance team.”
To find out more about the Principles of Cancer Care Programme and other resources visit The Cancer Academy website.
To read the framework and the accompanying implementation guides, visit the HEE ACCEND webpage.