When it comes to any form of technology, the end user must be taken into consideration. Shifting a fully programmed symposia from in-person to online delivery is a considerable challenge, but it's a move VCCC alliance members have enthusiastically embraced during the pandemic, and audiences have applauded.
Reports show that participants in recent Zoom and Webinar sessions appreciate the benefits of online delivery. Among them is the time made available by not having to travel. The ability to log-in from regional locations is considered a big drawcard. We are also attracting large interstate numbers and unprecedented industry interest. VCCC free online education has boomed this year with over 8,000 people in the cancer sector tuning in to our programming so far.
Among the first group to adapt in late March was VCCC Research and Education Lead program, Haematology. A much-anticipated full day symposium at Walter & Eliza Hall Institute on the use of genomics in haematological disorders, was adapted to online delivery, and re-sized to a palatable two-half-days.
Know your Blood was hosted by Professor Andrew Roberts, VCCC Research and Education Lead Haematology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Dr Piers Blombery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and featured presentations from researchers and clinicians from Austin Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital, and Walter & Eliza Hall Institute.
Here’s what some participants had to say:
Nice, short and to the point presentations and very informative. Great speakers. I particularly liked that there was a strong 'translational genomics' angle to the symposium highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to genomics, where diagnostics/clinic/research all work together to continue to move the field forward and provide better patient outcomes.
Great mix of haematology oncology from an academic, patient and practice perspective. Very informative and well executed.
The Q&A worked well, and probably allowed audience to ask questions they wouldn't normally ask because of the anonymity. Presentations were of a level that less experienced clinicians/scientists could understand, but still had relevancy for those who are expert in the fields. Starting off with the patient’s perspective really set the scene for why we all do what we do.
Recordings from the Know Your Blood symposium are now available to view via VCCC education and training open learning pages on our website. All are welcome to explore educational content from VCCC symposia and other recent online events.
For enquiries, contact Education Program Coordinator, Erin Turner e: [email protected].
