Aim:
Innovating an updated peer support training resource to pivot from face-to-face to virtual delivery.
Methods:
Evidence-based peer leader training curriculum and associated materials were adapted to a virtual format.
Curriculum development and digital communications specialists were engaged to review and adapt the Cancer Australia-funded "Keeping Things on Track" training manual, to enable effective and engaging virtual delivery of a formerly exclusively face-to-face training course.
The course was adapted to ensure the training remained highly interactive and provided participants with frequent screen breaks.
The virtual training was developed as six 90-minute blocks, spaced over two non-consecutive days to ensure sufficient rest between sessions and improve uptake of information presented.
Platforms used were Blackboard Collaborate and subsequently MS Teams.
Virtual training was initially piloted by Cancer Council Victoria before being delivered by multiple state-based Cancer Councils
Results:
Training was provided to 31 cancer support group leaders who completed pre and post-training evaluations.
Feedback showed that virtual training was effective, with high numbers agreeing or strongly agreeing “I am confident in my ability to..."
• Help overly shy members feel comfortable interacting (100%)
• Help members cope with difficult events, e.g. member death (96.77%)
• Obtain support to cope with the emotional demands (96.77%)
While feedback indicated preferences for face-to-face learning, participants appreciated the opportunity to receive virtual training, with positive feedback about the content and mode of presentation.
Conclusion:
The restrictions on in-person training associated with COVID-19 precipitated the rapid and successful adaptation of a newly developed, evidence-guided training curriculum to a virtual delivery format. Flexibility and transferability of the content to a virtual format was an unexpected benefit of the initial project.
These findings reinforce the importance of agility and creativity in program delivery and will help shape the direction of these programs into the future.