Review and developments in level 2 psychological support skills training for oncology clinical nurse specialists

Abstract

Background/Aims The need for holistic support to address the psychosocial impact of cancer has featured in NHS recommendations since 2004. This article describes the review, rewrite and evaluation of the North Central and North East London region ‘level 2’ psychological support skills training for oncology clinical nurse specialists. Methods The review was conducted in 2016–18; the new training package was then rolled out and evaluated in 2018–19. The re-written training includes models of individualised assessment based on psychological theory, including adjustment and adaptation. It also includes self-care exercises, providing experiential learning for the dual purpose of self-care and as potential material to teach to patients as level 2 interventions. The new training model requires follow-up attendance in clinical discussion groups to consolidate knowledge and skills development. In total, 135 clinical nurse specialists attended over an 18-month period. The evaluation involved pre- and post-training questionnaires. Results Evaluation suggests the new training is valued by clinical nurse specialists, is pitched at the right level and increases clinical nurse specialists' subjective ratings of confidence and identification of psychological need, onward referral and self-care. Conclusions The new package provides a useful development of the level 2 training model. Future plans are discussed.