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The multidisciplinary pediatric psycho‐oncology workforce: A national report on supervision for staff and training opportunities
Author(s) -
Kazak Anne E.,
Scialla Michele A.,
Patenaude Andrea F.,
Canter Kimberly,
Muriel Anna C.,
Kupst Mary Jo,
Chen Fang Fang,
Wiener Lori
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4892
Subject(s) - psychosocial , workforce , certification , medicine , multidisciplinary approach , credentialing , social work , licensure , family medicine , pediatric cancer , nursing , psychology , medical education , psychiatry , cancer , social science , sociology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Objective This paper presents data on licensure/certification status, supervision of multidisciplinary pediatric psychosocial staff, and training opportunities in pediatric cancer programs in the United States, data that are critical to provide care aligned with the Standards of Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Cancer (Psychosocial Standards). Methods An online survey of psychosocial care consistent with the Psychosocial Standards was completed from a national sample of pediatric cancer programs (144/200). Licensure/certification status, availability and format of supervision for multidisciplinary staff (social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, child life specialists/recreational therapists), and types and number of psychosocial trainees were reported. Results Nearly all pediatric psychosocial providers were licensed/certified. Peer consultation was the most frequently endorsed form of staff supervision although a sizeable group of centers reported no systematic ongoing supervision. Trainees in social work and child life were most common although the size of trainee cohorts is generally small. Psychosocial trainees are more prevalent in sites with pediatric hematology/oncology medical fellowship programs and in larger programs. Conclusions A properly trained and supported psychosocial workforce is essential to providing evidence‐based care consistent with the Psychosocial Standards. Psychosocial providers are appropriately licensed. However, supervision opportunities are variable and may be inadequate for the intensity of the work. It is important to address the limited opportunities for trainees in pediatric cancer programs, which may influence the pipeline for ongoing and future work in this area.