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

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.

Use of the distress thermometer to evaluate symptoms, outcome and satisfaction in a specialist psycho-oncology service.

OBJECTIVE: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends the use of structured tools to improve holistic care for patients with cancer. The Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist (DT) is commonly used for screening in physical health settings. However, it has not been integrated into the clinical pathway within specialist psycho-oncology services. We used the DT to examine the broad clinical effectiveness of psycho-oncology intervention and to ascertain factors from the DT linked to an improved outcome. We also evaluated patients' satisfaction with their care. METHOD: We asked 111 adult outpatients referred to York Psycho-Oncology Service to complete the DT at their first appointment. Individuals offered a period of psycho-oncology care re-rated their emotional distress, problems and service satisfaction on the DT at discharge. RESULTS: Median distress scores decreased significantly (from 6 to 4, Wilcoxon's z = -4.83, P < .001) indicating a large clinical effect size (Cohen's d = 1.22). Frequency of emotional problems (anxiety, depression and anger) fell significantly by 15-24% despite no significant change in patients' physical health or practical problems. Number of emotional problems was the best predictor of distress at discharge (beta = 0.468, P = .002). Satisfaction was high and correlated with lower distress scores (r = -0.42, P = .005) and fewer emotional problems (r = -0.31, P = .04) at discharge but not with number of appointments attended. Qualitative thematic analysis showed patients particularly value supportive listening and advice on coping strategies from professionals independent of their physical care. CONCLUSION: The DT is an acceptable and useful tool for enhancing the delivery of structured psycho-oncology care. It may also provide evidence to support the effectiveness of specialist psycho-oncology interventions.

Implementing a dedicated education unit: a practice partnership with oncology nurses.

An urgent need exists to identify innovative and evidence-based educational methods to help oncology nurses provide safe and high-quality patient care. One promising solution is the dedicated education unit (DEU) educational model, which partners nursing faculty and skilled nursing clinicians to facilitate the clinical experience of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. This article describes the collaborative DEU initiative developed between a university school of nursing and a tertiary cancer center to provide senior nursing students with an innovative method to develop their competencies in oncology nursing practice and care.

Survey of assessment criteria prior to implantation of spinal cord stimulators in United Kingdom pain management centres.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a useful option in selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The aim of this questionnaire-based survey was to determine what assessment methods are used for patients being considered for SCS in pain management centres in the United Kingdom. This was in relation to the recommendations produced by the Task Force of the European Federation of IASP chapters (1998) on neuromodulation. Questionnaires were sent out to previously identified individual SCS implanters. The response rate was 64% (n=44). The results of the survey were generally encouraging. Just over half of respondents use some form of guideline to assess patients for SCS, most trying opioid and co-analgesia before proceeding to SCS insertion. There was significant variation concerning absolute contraindications. The majority of respondents worked in a multi-disciplinary team and 61% stated their patients received a psychological assessment but although 96% of individuals worked with a specialist nurse only 25% reported that the nurse had an active role in the pre-assessment of patients for SCS. The development of national guidelines may provide a more standardised approach but further research into the role of the specialist nurse and the benefits of psychological assessment would also be useful.