Post-academic training program in 'Psycho-oncology'

Purpose

In association with the Flemish universities, the institute launched in 2006 a two-year training programm in psycho-oncology for masters in psychology and medical doctors.
The realisation of this post academic trainig program, in close cooperation with the Flemish universities, means a breakthrough in the field of psycho-oncology in Belgium.

Methods

The daily board of the institute is a multidisciplinary team of specialised caregivers. They founded a steering committee which had the mission te develop a training program in psycho-oncology. This committee exists of professors from the different Flemish Universities and clinical experts in psycho-oncology. This committee developed a two year training program (20 days).
The first edition was organised at the Free University of Brussels: it started in January of 2006 and ended in December 2007.
In October 2008 a new training program will start at the University of Ghent.

This training program is evidence based. Academic and clinical experts teach their epxertise in psycho-oncology.
Different didactical methods are used: exercises, role play, video, casuistics, questioning, group supervision, etc. The program has an interactive setup.
The didactic skills of the trainers and the content of the courses are monitored. Same day evaluation is always performed and taken into account.

At the end of the program students have to make a paper on a relevant subject in psycho-oncology: an extended case study or a scientific research project.
For students with limited experience in psycho-oncology a training on the job in organised, supervised by an expert.

Results

In 2006, the first two-year training program in psycho-oncology in Belgium, for masters in psychology and medical doctors was launched. 22 clinical psychologists registered. In January 2008 14 trainees graduated.
The overall evaluation of the training program and the evaluation of the specific training aspects, by the trainees, were excellent.
In October 2008 a new training program will start at the University of Ghent.

Conclusion

This innovating training program is a academic specialisation in psycho-oncology, which offers psychologists an evidence based academic training in psycho-oncology. It also helps them to improve their clinical skills in working with cancer patients.

Research implications

With the training program the Cédric Hèle institute and the Flemish Universities want to enforce the link between the academic and the clinical world in psycho-oncology. During the program many academics teach their recent results in scientific research to the students. The psychologists in the program write a paper on a relevant subject in psycho-oncology, which will be published on the website of the institute. This can be a lead for scientists, in search of interesting research projects.

Clinical implications

The psychologists who followed the program increased their knowledge and their skills in psycho-oncology. They had the opportunity to optimize their communication and clinical skills which will lead to a better care of the cancer patient and his relatives.

Themes

oncology
psycho-oncology
legislation, law en ethics
communication
interdisciplinary teamwork
the psychology of cancer
pediatric oncology
bereav
palliative care
social aspects
complementary/alternative care
pain and other symptoms
cancer and existential questions
integration

Steering committee

Sabien Bauwens, Prof. dr. Geert Crombez, Prof. dr. Paul Cosyns, Prof. dr. Chris De Valck, Ann Devoogdt, Prof. dr. Wim Distelmans, Sofie Eelen, Prof. dr. L. Goubert, Prof. dr. Manu Keirse, dr. Raymond Mathys, Prof. dr. Ingrid Ponjaert-Kristoffersen, Wim Schrauwen, Prof. dr. Omer Van den Bergh, Angelique Verzelen en Prof. dr. em. Jan Vinck