Photo: Patient Education Symposium attendees engaging in discussion
April 15, 2025
The Patient Education Symposium hosted by the South West Regional Cancer Program (SWRCP) on Saturday, April 5 in Stratford, Ontario, was filled with informative presentations, riveting conversations and a free-flowing exchange of experiences and ideas on how to improve the patient education experience.
The symposium had presentations on several topics of interest including:
- Navigating Cancer and Healthcare Information (presentation from Karen Lawrie, Manager, Education Intervention Development, Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre)
- After Treatment and Survivorship (presentation from SWRCP)
- Community supports (presentation from Wellspring, a community partner)
- 2025/2026 Regional Patient Education priorities (presentation from SWRCP)
The event came to life during the discussion periods after each presentation, where patients, caregivers, and others whose lives have been impacted by cancer engaged with the topics.
Constructive feedback on current education materials and opportunities, as well as personal experiences in each of those areas, were shared among attendees.
Tables were set up with staff from the SWRCP and the London Health Sciences Centre Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. Staff were facilitators and notetakers to ensure that all questions were asked, all attendees at the table had an opportunity to provide input, and the feedback was captured for the SWRCP team to review after the event.
Virtual attendees had the same opportunities to watch the presentations and provide feedback through their online facilitator and notetaker.
Following the event, the SWRCP team will use the feedback gathered to inform the 2025/2026 Patient Education Strategy for cancer patient education. This strategy will lead and inform the approach taken for patient education for cancer patients and caregivers in Southwestern Ontario.
The SWRCP team wants to thank all presenters and attendees for taking the time to share their valuable insight into different areas of cancer care and education.