The VCCC Alliance is launching a new initiative – a journal club, with a twist. Part of our regional initiative funded by the Cancer Patient Support Program, the journal club will be held quarterly and showcase peer-reviewed research articles relevant to regional and rural cancer practice.
In a twist on the traditional journal clubs in medical research circles, where peers read, meet and discuss a research paper, the RECAP (Regional Evidence, Collaboration and Practice) Journal Club, set to meet for the first time on 26 June, brings the author into the virtual room.
The inaugural 26 June event will feature Dr Rosalie Power, who will lead a discussion on one of the studies from the Out With Cancer research project, examined through a regional and rural lens.
According to the club’s brainchild – Director of Education Michelle Barrett – incorporating the author into the discussion offers deeper engagement and robust conversations around current research. This creates a unique opportunity to gain greater insights into a study’s findings, context and impact. “An initiative like this is important to our regional and rural communities, enabling equitable access to continuous learning and dialogue, involving and facilitated by regional experts,” she said.
“The RECAP Journal Club aims to strengthen evidence-based practice in regional and rural health, and build confidence and skills in interpreting, appraising, and applying research evidence to improve cancer care in rural and regional communities.”
– Michelle Barrett
VCCC Alliance Regional Education Program Manager, Lucinda Clarke said the journal club will foster a collaborative learning environment, where regional and rural clinicians can discuss evidence, share experiences, challenges, and strategies for implementing evidence in local practice.
Papers are selected for the Journal Club by a national Steering Committee and will have direct relevance to regional and rural cancer care on a national scale. If the research isn’t rural specific, the implications for rural contexts are drawn out and discussed.
“This is a valuable opportunity for regional and rural health professionals, who may otherwise have to travel for professional development or be affiliated with a major academic institution.”
– Lucinda Clarke
VCCC Alliance Associate Director of Education Kyleigh Smith said the Journal Club aims to contribute to ongoing development and retention of the regional and rural health workforce. Metropolitan colleagues are also encouraged to participate to be part of the conversations on equitable cancer healthcare.
Journal Club sessions will be recorded and can be accessed via the Regional Cancer Education Hub, alongside recordings of the Regional Cancer Forums within the Centre for Cancer Education. This provides a valuable and accessible resource for those unable to participate in these sessions.
“The virtual format will connect researchers and health professionals nationwide, across multiple disciplines and regions.”
- Kyleigh Smith
This initiative is funded by a Cancer Patient Support (CPSP) Program grant received from the Australian Government.
