Luzia Travado1, Joaquim C Reis2, Maggie Watson3,4, Josep Borràs5. 1. Psycho-oncology Unit, Clinical Centre of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal. 2. IADE, Creative University, Lisbon, Portugal. 3. Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. 4. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK. 5. Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer is a complex health problem requiring multidisciplinary care. There are clinical guidelines available in order to improve the process and outcomes of cancer care within Europe. However, strategic action is still needed in many European Union (EU) Member States to develop or improve national cancer control plans (NCCPs), which play a key role in cancer control and care. The current study clarifies the extent of implementation of psychosocial oncology care (PSOC) in the EU. METHOD: A survey methodology was used to cover four dimensions: (1) inclusion of PSOC in NCCPs; (2) structure and resources of PSOC delivery; (3) use of NCCP clinical guidelines; and (4) education and training resources available along with determination of training needs in PSOC. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (90%) countries returned questionnaires of which 21 (78%) include PSOC in their NCCP. However, only 10 (37%) reported having specific budgets for PSOC, 8 (30%) having nationally recommended PSOC clinical guidelines, and 6 countries (22%) reported having an official certification for PSOC education. CONCLUSION: Although many countries seem to have integrated PSOC into their NCCP, there is still much to do in terms of allocating resources and delivering psychosocial care equitably. Also, there is a need for improving training and certification in PSOC. The findings indicate the need to develop national policies concerning PSOC with clear targets for deliverables in an appropriate timetable in order that psychosocial services and existing clinical guidelines are implemented and fully integrated into EU NCCPs.
BACKGROUND:Cancer is a complex health problem requiring multidisciplinary care. There are clinical guidelines available in order to improve the process and outcomes of cancer care within Europe. However, strategic action is still needed in many European Union (EU) Member States to develop or improve national cancer control plans (NCCPs), which play a key role in cancer control and care. The current study clarifies the extent of implementation of psychosocial oncology care (PSOC) in the EU. METHOD: A survey methodology was used to cover four dimensions: (1) inclusion of PSOC in NCCPs; (2) structure and resources of PSOC delivery; (3) use of NCCP clinical guidelines; and (4) education and training resources available along with determination of training needs in PSOC. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (90%) countries returned questionnaires of which 21 (78%) include PSOC in their NCCP. However, only 10 (37%) reported having specific budgets for PSOC, 8 (30%) having nationally recommended PSOC clinical guidelines, and 6 countries (22%) reported having an official certification for PSOC education. CONCLUSION: Although many countries seem to have integrated PSOC into their NCCP, there is still much to do in terms of allocating resources and delivering psychosocial care equitably. Also, there is a need for improving training and certification in PSOC. The findings indicate the need to develop national policies concerning PSOC with clear targets for deliverables in an appropriate timetable in order that psychosocial services and existing clinical guidelines are implemented and fully integrated into EU NCCPs.
Authors: Lori Wiener; Jennifer A Hoag; Wendy Pelletier; Nirali N Shah; Bronwen E Shaw; Michael A Pulsipher; Jessica Bruce; Peter Bader; Andre M Willasch; Arnaud Dalissier; Gregory Guilcher; Chloe Anthias; Dennis L Confer; Jennifer A Sees; Brent Logan; Galen E Switzer Journal: Bone Marrow Transplant Date: 2019-04-10 Impact factor: 5.483
Authors: P Jimenez-Fonseca; C Calderon; A Carmona-Bayonas; M M Muñoz; R Hernández; M Mut Lloret; I Ghanem; C Beato; D Cacho Lavín; A Ivars Rubio; R Carrión; C Jara Journal: Clin Transl Oncol Date: 2018-04-02 Impact factor: 3.405
Authors: Joan C Medina; Aida Flix-Valle; Ana Rodríguez-Ortega; Rosa Hernández-Ribas; María Lleras de Frutos; Cristian Ochoa-Arnedo Journal: Cancers (Basel) Date: 2022-02-15 Impact factor: 6.639
Authors: Hayley Wright; Louise Moody; Becky Whiteman; Michael McGillion; Wendy Clyne; Gemma Pearce; Andy Turner; Faith Martin Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-05-19 Impact factor: 5.428