The forgotten team member: meeting the needs of oncology support staff.
BACKGROUND
The impact of working in an oncology setting has been widely researched for physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. The experiences of nonlicensed support staff in an oncology setting have rarely been acknowledged or addressed. Few studies have addressed support or education initiatives for support staff caring for oncology patients. The intent of this study was to understand the work experiences of oncology support staff. Emotional impact, patient relationships, and team relationships were addressed. These data would help shape the development of an oncology support staff program.


METHODS
A qualitative and quantitative approach was used to explore the experiences of support staff. Seven focus groups and individual interviews were conducted addressing work life in a cancer center. The quantitative survey collected baseline data on job satisfaction, working relationships, patient relationships, burnout, and support programs.


RESULTS
Four predominant themes emerged from the focus groups. These included: relationships with patients and families, coping with death and dying, value and recognition, and balancing function with emotion. The quantitative survey reported the highest satisfaction with patient relationships and the lowest satisfaction with job recognition and supervisor support. High personal accomplishment scores declined with duration of employment. Educational grand rounds were a high interest.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides insight into the impact of caring for oncology patients on support staff. Burnout and job satisfaction can be costly. Recognizing the challenges inherent in the oncology environment is essential to supporting a successful oncology practice for licensed and nonlicensed support staff.
MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. bcashavelly@partners.org
Barbara J
BJ
Cashavelly
Karen
K
Donelan
Kathryn D
KD
Binda
Johanna R
JR
Mailhot
Katherine A
KA
Clair-Hayes
Peter
P
Maramaldi
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology*; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce