The Critical Role of Primary Care Providers in
Facilitating Equitable Access to Care and Clinical Trials

This course is designed to help residents like you better support patients when diagnosed with cancer, particularly during the referral process to a cancer specialist. The trust our patients have in you, and the continuity of care you offer, matter enormously at the time of an oncology referral. You have an important role in helping patients, especially patients from ethnic and racial minority groups, be more engaged in cancer treatment decision making, which includes the possibility of receiving treatment through a clinical trial.

A doctor sitting with their patient

Module 1: Disparities in Cancer Care and Clinical Trial Participation

clock icon 20-30 Minutes

In this module, you will learn about disparities in cancer care and clinical trial participation, the rationale for your role in cancer treatment referrals, and why cancer treatment trials are a high quality treatment option for many patients.

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A doctor sitting with their patient

Module 2: Assessing Providers’ Referrals to Cancer Treatment

clock icon 10-15 Minutes

In this module, you will evaluate providers' initial communication with patients diagnosed with cancer.

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A doctor sitting with their patient

Module 3: Effective Communication Skills to Foster Patient Engagement in Cancer Treatment

clock icon 15 Minutes

In this module, you will review an evidence-based communication approach to prepare patients for the cancer treatment referral and apply this approach to patient cases.

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A doctor sitting with their patient

Module 4: Needed Changes with Colleagues in the Referral Process: Future Considerations

clock icon 10 Minutes

In this module, you will consider opportunities to improve referral practices once you start your practice.

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