Up to 40% of individuals experience pain related to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, musculoskeletal pain induced by hormone therapy, or pain associated with radiation-induced plexopathy. While the responsibility for pain management increasingly falls on family physicians (FPs) once cancer treatments are completed, they describe a gap between their training and the demands of their practice andexpress low confidence in their ability to manage cancer treatment-related pain, including follow up with patients requiring opioids. FPs. To our knowledge, no study has described the training needs of FPs in Quebec regardingthe management of pain related to cancer treatments.  

 

Objective: The objective of this research project is to review the content of medical education programs offered by medical faculties in Quebec, specifically related to cancer pain and its treatments. A competency framework will be developed to map the key and enabling competencies of FPs in the appropriate management of cancer- and treatment-related pain.  

 

Methods: In addition, to the information found on websites regarding the organization, structure, and terminology of medical education programs, the different faculties will be invited to provide access to and share their course syllabi (course outlines, general and specific learning objectives, content covered, teaching and evaluation methods, distribution of course activities). A review of the syllabi will first identify courses with objectivesspecifically related to cancer pain or pain related to cancer treatments. A descriptive analysis of the syllabi content will be conducted, and objectives will be associated with the cognitive, psychomotor, or affective domain to map competencies according to the CanMEDS competency framework for physicians, including key competencies (knowledge, skills, attitudes) and enabling competencies (manifestations). The data will be anonymized, and the reported results will not allow the identification of the different faculties.  

 

Outcome: In the context of primary care where FP are called upon to play a significant role in supporting patients living with pain related to cancer treatments, it is critical to support their competency development. This project will provide novel and important information for planning future educational activities in oncology and supportive care and addressing the needs and practice context of FPs in Quebec.