title: Effectiveness of brief training in cognitive behaviour therapy techniques for palliative care practitioners.
abstract: We describe training in CBT techniques for 20 palliative care practitioners delivered as 12 days' equivalent teaching plus skills-building supervision over a six month period. Audiotapes of trainees' interactions with patients during their usual work were rated using a specially devised 'Cognitive First Aid' rating scale (CFARS). The CFARS was highly internally consistent (Cronbach's Alpha 0.93) and inter-rater reliability was high. Trainees showed significant gain in CBT skills competency over six months (p=0.001). After initial training, half the trainees were randomised to discontinue supervision; their measured CBT skill dropped as did their self-reported confidence when reassessed six months later, whereas those who continued in supervision gained further skill and maintained confidence (p=0.007). Palliative care practitioners can be trained in CBT skills by a simple and brief training course and supportive, skills-building supervision. These skills are compatible with national guidelines on delivery of psychological support to patients at all stages of cancer. Supervision is necessary to ensure maintenance of skills and confidence to use them.
authors.affiliation: Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, UK. kathryn.mannix@nuth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Kathryn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mannix
authors.forename: Ivy Marie
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Blackburn
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garland
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gracie
authors.forename: Stirling
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moorey
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Standart
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000193:education*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D010166:Palliative Care; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control