Hong Kong College of radiologists' palliative medicine training programme

Abstract

© 2017 Hong Kong College of Radiologists. Purpose: To evaluate the Hong Kong College of Radiologists' palliative medicine training programme from perspectives of three groups of clinical oncologists. Methods: Three different sets of questionnaire were sent to three groups of clinical oncologists: chiefs of service (n = 6), past successful candidates (n = 20), and trainees of the 2013-2016 cycle (n = 28) to evaluate the palliative medicine training programme organised by the Palliative Medicine Subspecialty Board of the Hong Kong College of Radiologists. Results: The response rates for chiefs of service, past successful candidates, and trainees were 83%, 70%, and 32%, respectively. The chiefs of service and past candidates confirmed the value of the palliative medicine training programme and made suggestions to improve the training. The trainees raised some concerns regarding course work and the examination. Their comments were reviewed in the Subspecialty Board meeting and changes were made to improve the learning experience for future trainees. Conclusion: Clinical oncologists viewed favourably the palliative medicine training in providing high-standard palliative care for cancer patients.