A MODEL CURRICULUM FOR TRAINING IN PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY

The increased awareness of the cancer patient's psychosocial needs in the past few years has led to the development of training programs for health professionals working in oncology. Given the diversity of training goals, professionals involved in the care of patients, institutional resources and local needs, there is a lack of uniform criteria to train specialists in the field of psyche-oncology, This paper describes a model for a one-year curriculum the objective of which is to establish minimal standards of training to become a professional who is subspecialized in adult or child and adolescent psyche-oncology, The curriculum primarily consists of a didactic and a skills development components. Selection of trainees and faculty as well as teaching tools and evaluation of the curriculum are described. The second part of the model curriculum contains specific recommendations that address the particular educational needs of specific oncological disciplines (oncologists, nurses, social workers) and volunteers. In addition, the need for multidisciplinary teams in oncology settings is emphasized. Defining minimum standards for training across institutions and even nations will not only improve patient care but will also contribute to define psyche-oncology as a discipline.