Developing an online CPD module on management of breast cancer for general practitioners in Sri Lanka – A need analysis

The prevalence of breast cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. A need analysis was carried out to identify the learning needs and utilization of currently available learning resources on breast cancer management among the general practitioners (GPs) in Sri Lanka. A pretested questionnaire was posted to 210 GPs affiliated to College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Response rate was 55.2%. Fifty nine (50.9%) participants were aged between 31-50 years and 77 (66.4%) were males. Majority 87(75%) had not previously taken part in any CPD program on breast cancer management. Awareness on the guide for primary care doctors and family physicians on management of breast symptoms (31, 26.7%) and national guidelines on management of breast carcinoma (20, 17.2%) were markedly low. Although majority (99, 85.3%) reported a medium to high involvement in referral, 77(66.4%) admitted of low involvement in shared follow up care while 72(62.1%) reported low involvement in palliative care. Accordingly, palliative care (68,58.6%) and shared follow up care(77,66.4%) were identified to be among the top two priority areas to be included in a future CPD module. Majority (83, 71.5%) preferred either online or blended modes of learning. In conclusion, participation of GPs in CPD programs on breast cancer management and awareness on current guidelines are deficient. Although current involvement in referral of breast cancer patients for tertiary care is substantial, involvement in shared follow up care and palliative care is low. Thus, a future online CPD module should be established with greater emphasize on these areas.