Acceptance and commitment therapy based psychological skills training for oncology and palliative care staff
Banwell, Lizzy Inman, Lucinda Huish, Ellen Raynes, Jonnie Olivia, Donnelly Savory, Sue Osborn, Mike Jenkins, Kate Pollock, Jennifer Lewis, Paul
Banwell, Lizzy
Inman, Lucinda
Huish, Ellen
Raynes, Jonnie
Olivia, Donnelly
Savory, Sue
Osborn, Mike
Jenkins, Kate
Pollock, Jennifer
Lewis, Paul
Glos Author
Date
2020-02-20
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Conference Abstract
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Abstract
Background: NICE Oncology and Palliative Care (2004) guidelines outline a four-level model of psychological care. Level 2 comprises staff training in patient psychological assessment and intervention, with ongoing psychological skills supervision. Developments in therapeutic support within physical health settings include using third wave approaches, e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which increases psychological flexibility and values-based behavioural changes. Prior to the current project, no Level 2 training drawing predominantly on ACT was being delivered across the SWAG region.
Aims: To support staff to improve the personalised care of patients with mild-moderate psychological distress by delivering Level 2 psychological skills training to oncology and palliative care staff within seven of the SWAG cancer alliance Trusts by March 2020 and to develop a sustainable model for future use.
Methods: Nineteen, 2.5 day training courses delivered to ~200 staff members across SWAG between February-December 2019. Evaluation data was drawn from quantitative confidence and knowledge ratings (adapted from Jenkins et al., 2010), and qualitative evidence of impact on clinical practice.
Results: Staff reported a significant increase (p < 0.001) in knowledge and confidence to support patients experiencing psychological concerns post training. This significantly increased (p < 0.001) by one month follow-up. Qualitative data indicated staff felt better equipped to provide personalised care to patients, drawing on ACT-based interventions.
Conclusions: Preliminary data indicates this training is effective in improving Level 2 staff knowledge and confidence supporting patients experiencing mild-moderate psychological distress. Six month follow-up data (available January 2020) will provide evidence of development of knowledge, confidence and use of Level 2 skills in practice.
Citation
Abstracts of the British Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference, 27-28 February, 2020, Edinburgh, UK. (2020). Psycho-oncology, 29 Suppl 2, 3–33. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5334
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