Lymphoma learning tool launched by charity to help improve survival of lymphoma patients
The Lymphoma Association has today announced the launch of an online learning tool designed to assist general practitioners (GPs) in increasing their understanding of lymphoma. Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners, it is hoped that the tool could improve both survival and quality of life for lymphoma patients.
Despite lymphoma representing the fifth most common cancer in the UK, a recent global patient survey has demonstrated that the UK has one of the worst rates of lymphoma diagnosis across the world. Earlier detection of the disease can help improve survival and patient experience and thus early identification of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma is said to be vitally important.
This new tool meets an unmet need in primary care education, as a recent survey of 1000 GPs in the UK demonstrated that 75% of GPs would welcome further support and training on how to identify and diagnose lymphoma. This learning resource aims to provide GPs with further knowledge and understanding of diagnosis, how the different types of lymphoma appear in patients and the management of survivors in primary care.
“The Lymphoma Association not only supports people affected by lymphoma; we are also dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals. This is why the two organizations have worked closely together to develop a comprehensive online learning tool that will help ensure that lymphoma patients get the best care possible from diagnosis, to treatment, to after-care,” stated Jonathan Pearce, Chief Executive of the Lymphoma Association, when discussing the launch of this tool.
“As GPs we see a range of patients experiencing a variety of symptoms so it is important that we continue to develop our understanding of diseases to enable us to provide the right care. In the current NHS environment, the education and support provided for GPs is limited and lymphoma is certainly an area where this can be strengthened. The lymphoma tool developed by the Lymphoma Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners is a fantastic tool that is easy to use and provides a broad insight into the disease; I am sure it will be welcomed by GPs across the UK and will help to work towards improving care for people with lymphoma,” commented Ben Riley, Medical Director of Curriculum at the Royal College of General Practitioners and GP.
