At the end of 2015, we have launched a first online survey, whose objective was to better know you, our members, and from that precious knowledge understand how to fully address your professional needs and expectations at every level.
We received more than a hundred answers, and this survey showed that most SIOPE members’ expectations have been fulfilled (77,7%). Your decision to join SIOPE is mainly driven by the opportunity to take part in European research and EU projects (76,7%), one of the key advantages of becoming a member of our Society. Other reasons include to stay up-to-date and receive regular communications from SIOPE, to see your professional interest represented at the European level and to “shape the future of paediatric oncology”. Comments highlighted the need to support the priorities of clinical trial groups, to foster links with parent/patient groups, to bring countries at a higher level of practice in paediatric oncology, and to support the efficient application of current protocols.
Interesting paediatric oncology topics are the main reason convincing members to attend the SIOPE events (83%), followed by the multidisciplinarity that characterises them and the networking opportunities offered by face-to-face gatherings. As expected, professional obligations are the main reason preventing members to attend our events (64,9%), followed by the distance and the costs related to reaching the event venue. Per most respondents, events focusing on EU advocacy should take place once a year (72,3%), while project-specific meetings twice a year (52,13%). A few answers stressed the need to meet with external stakeholders and to hold more meetings if there is a strong message to deliver.
Considering education, and having to select among the topics included in the SIOPE Syllabus, respondents think that the current knowledge gaps among paediatric oncology professionals in Europe are:
- Molecular markers as diagnostic and prognostic tools and treatment implications (36,2%);
- Ethical issues, consent, data protection;
- Possible neurological, endocrinological, cognitive, behavioural and social sequelae of tumours and their treatment;
- Interactions between chemotherapy and concomitantly administered drugs, complications related to chemotherapy.