Addressing healthcare barriers faced by asylum seekers and refugees through an interprofessional symposium.

In this work, we describe an interprofessional healthcare symposium driven by the challenges faced by the local asylum-seeking/refugee population in Montreal. McGill University medical, nursing, dietetics, and social work students partnered with local experts to provide attendees with tools to better meet the needs of Montreal's migrant population. This student-led initiative, unique in its interdisciplinary and comprehensive nature, increased awareness of the needs of an underserved population while promoting student engagement in health advocacy and interprofessional collaboration. It also enhances the development of skills essential to provide culturally sensitive care.

Dans cet article, nous décrivons un symposium en santé interprofessionnel adressant les défis auxquels font face la population locale de demandeurs d'asile/réfugiés à Montréal. Les étudiants en médecine, en sciences infirmières, en diététique et en travail social de l'Université McGill ont fait appel à des experts locaux pour fournir aux futur professionnels de la santé des outils leur permettant de mieux répondre aux besoins de la population migrante de Montréal. Cette initiative unique dans sa nature interdisciplinaire et globale, a accru la sensibilisation aux besoins d'une population mal desservie tout en favorisant l'engagement des étudiants dans la promotion de la Santé, la collaboration Interprofessionnelle et l'offre de soins culturellement adaptés.

An evaluation of the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of online resources for patients with cancer receiving immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of available online resources about the side effects of immunotherapy. METHODS: Resources were identified through online searches (Google, Microsoft Bing, and Yahoo search engines) and evaluated using the Suitability Assessment Materials (SAM), three readability formulae, the DISCERN tool (quality), and a checklist of symptom management strategies and self-management skills (usefulness). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified resources scoring highly for suitability and quality. Factors associated with the clusters were identified using Fischer's exact tests. RESULTS: The 51 resources retained for evaluation were of low suitability and quality and exceeded recommended reading levels. Resources were lacking key features to support learning (e.g., illustrations) as well as information about the risks of treatments and the effect of treatments on quality of life. Few resources addressed key self-management skills of problem-solving and taking action. The cluster analysis identified "low" and "moderate" clusters for suitability and quality, and pamphlets and booklets were more likely to be in the moderate cluster as compared to webpages. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of high-quality resources to support patients' learning to self-manage side effects of immunotherapy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Results identify the best available online resources for self-managing side effects of immunotherapy and gaps for future work. Based on findings, a template for patient education materials was developed.

Evaluation of quality, readability, suitability, and usefulness of online resources available to cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality, readability, suitability, and usefulness of resources publicly available to adult cancer survivors (aged 18 +) who have completed primary treatment. METHODS: Resources were identified in July 2021 through Google. Search completeness was verified using Yahoo, Bing, and MedlinePlus. Retrieved resources were assessed for quality using the DISCERN, readability, suitability using the Suitability Assessment Measure (SAM), and usefulness based on a list of unmet needs and self-management skills derived from the literature. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and a cluster analysis identified the highest-scoring resources. RESULTS: Forty-five resources were included. The mean DISCERN score was fair at 63.3% (SD 13.7%) with low-rated items being sources, publication date, and risks and mechanisms of treatment. The mean reading grade level was 11.19 (SD 1.61, range 8-16) with only one resource scoring an 8. The mean SAM score was in the adequate range at 48.2% (SD 10.6%), with graphics being the lowest-rated section. On average, included resources addressed 57.7% (SD 27.3%) of the unmet needs and 48.4% (SD 20.9%) of the self-management skills, the least addressed being problem-solving. CONCLUSION: Quality and suitability were fair, whereas readability exceeded recommended levels. Only one resource had a superior score in both quality and suitability. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The most pressing need is to develop resources for cancer survivors that address their unmet needs and are accessible in terms of literacy. Study findings outline the highest-scoring resources currently available to survivors, families, and clinicians.