The evaluation of a two-day interdisciplinary continuing education event in psychosocial oncology.
BACKGROUND
The study evaluated the effectiveness of a two-day continuing education (CE) course developed to increase multidisciplinary oncology professionals' awareness of psychosocial issues and to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify psychosocial issues and intervene effectively.


METHODS
Attendees (n = 120) were asked to complete a pre- and 6-month postcourse questionnaire assessing psychosocial orientation using the Physician Belief Scale and the ability to identify psychosocial issues; they were also asked to suggest appropriate interventions based on five case vignettes.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine (56%) participants returned the precourse questionnaire, and 42 (35%) returned the postcourse questionnaire. Psychosocial orientation increased significantly from precourse to postcourse (P = .03). Based on the five case vignettes, participants were able to identify significantly more psychosocial issues (10.5 vs. 7.7, P = .005) and suggest more interventions (12.6 vs. 8.7, P < .001) 6 months following the course.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the effectiveness of a two-day CE course to improve oncology professionals' psychosocial orientation and ability to identify psychosocial issues and interventions.
Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Room 605, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9. jennifer.jones@uhn.on.ca
Jennifer M
JM
Jones
Jennie
J
James
Gary
G
Rodin
Pamela
P
Catton
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011586:Psychology, Clinical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires