The American Psychosocial Oncology Society's Psychosocial Oncology Virtual Academy: Enhancing Access to Specialized Psychosocial Oncology Care.

OBJECTIVE

By 2040, there will be 26 million cancer survivors in the United States, with approximately 40% experiencing cancer-related challenges warranting psychosocial care. Simultaneously, the US has a psychosocial workforce shortage. The American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) created the Psychosocial Oncology (PSO) Virtual Academy in 2022 to expand the PSO workforce. This study provides a formative evaluation of this curriculum.

METHODS

The PSO Virtual Academy is a 15-session training program provided via the Trusted Provider Network (TPN), a continuing education platform. The majority of registrants come from West Virginia (n = 28) and California (n = 21), states in which APOS has partnered to increase access to evidence-based PSO care. After finishing each session, course participants completed a brief mixed methods survey. In this study, we examine feasibility (educational, technical, and operational), acceptability, learning effectiveness, strengths, and areas for improvement.

RESULTS

Since 2022, 262 behavioral health specialists have registered, and 147 (56%) have completed the certificate course. Eighty-four percent reported satisfaction with their overall experience with the program. Technology use was satisfactory for 76% of participants. Ninety-six percent reported learning an average amount to a great deal. Areas of strength included engaging faculty and inclusion of clinical discussions. Areas for improvement included providing slide handouts, greater focus on clinical interventions, and assessment tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The PSO Virtual Academy 1.0 has provided satisfactory and useful training to over 147 behavioral health professionals, helping APOS to expand the PSO workforce in several mental health shortage areas. Work is underway to complete a summative evaluation and develop version 2.0, which will incorporate a briefer, standardized format for didactic content, in-person skills-based training components, and a case-based community of practice.