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Training oncology and palliative care clinical nurse specialists in psychological skills: Evaluation of a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2013

Jane E. Clark ,
Susan Aitken ,
Nina Watson ,
Joanne McVey ,
Jan Helbert ,
Anita Wraith ,
Vanessa Taylor  and
Sarah Catesby
Jane E. Clark*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
Susan Aitken
Affiliation:
Department of Healthcare Psychology, Airedale Hospital, Bradford District Care Trust, Keighley, United Kingdom
Nina Watson
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust, Wakefield, United Kingdom
Joanne McVey
Affiliation:
Cancer Psychology Service, Cancer Care Centre, York Hospital, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
Jan Helbert
Affiliation:
Psychological Services Department, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
Anita Wraith
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust, Dewsbury, United Kingdom
Vanessa Taylor
Affiliation:
Division of Nursing, School of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
Sarah Catesby
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: J.E. Clark, Department of Rehabilitation, Level 1, Bexley Wing, St. James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS9 7TF, United Kingdom. E-mail: jane.clark@leedsth.nhs.uk Tel. 0113 2065897
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Abstract

Objective:

National guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend training Clinical Nurse Specialists in psychological skills to improve the assessment and intervention with psychological problems experienced by people with a cancer diagnosis (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2004). This pilot study evaluated a three-day training program combined with supervision sessions from Clinical Psychologists that focused on developing skills in psychological assessment and intervention for common problems experienced by people with cancer.

Methods:

Questionnaires were developed to measure participants’ levels of confidence in 15 competencies of psychological skills. Participants completed these prior to the program and on completion of the program. Summative evaluation was undertaken and results were compared. In addition, a focus group interview provided qualitative data of participants’ experiences of the structure, process, and outcomes of the program.

Results:

Following the program, participants rated their confidence in psychological assessment and skills associated with providing psychological support as having increased in all areas. This included improved knowledge of psychological theories, skills in assessment and intervention and accessing and using supervision appropriately. The largest increase was in providing psycho-education to support the coping strategies of patients and carers. Thematic analysis of interview data identified two main themes including learning experiences and program enhancements. The significance of the clinical supervision sessions as key learning opportunities, achieved through the development of a community of practice, emerged.

Significance of results:

Although this pilot study has limitations, the results suggest that a combined teaching and supervision program is effective in improving Clinical Nurse Specialists’ confidence level in specific psychological skills. Participants’ experiences highlighted suggestions for refinement and development of the program. Opportunities for further research and developments in this area are discussed.

Keywords

CancerPsychologicalDistressTrainingSupervision
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , June 2015 , pp. 537 - 542
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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