Assessing competencies of healthcare professionals caring for parents with cancer: The development of an innovative assessment tool

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes the development of an assessment tool capturing competencies of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in caring for cancer patients with minor children. Methods: We combined the methods of clinical case vignettes and situational judgement tests (SJTs). Scenarios were created based on literature and interviews with patients, HCPs, and experts. We pretested the instrument by conducting cognitive interviews with n = 6 HCPs, who gave feedback on realism, clarity, and difficulty of the scenarios. Results: The developed assessment tool measures the following competencies: HCPs' (1) application of knowledge, (2) behavioural responses to clinical scenarios, (3) attitudes regarding the relevance of integrating the parental role in cancer care, and (4) empathic behaviour towards affected parents. Results of the cognitive interviews indicate that the scenarios are perceived as realistic and clear. Conclusions: We provide an innovative approach by methodologically combining clinical case vignettes and SJTs. Next, the assessment tool will be applied in the context of a pilot evaluation of a newly developed training for HCPs that aims at enhancing their competencies in caring for cancer patients with minor children.

Child- and family-specific communication skills trainings for healthcare professionals caring for families with parental cancer: A systematic review

“…Hence, there is a need for rigorously developed and psychometrically sound instruments. Moreover, objective simulated patient assessments (SPAs) should be included in future studies as they are the gold standard for evaluation of CSTs [ 51 , 52 ]. Clinical case vignettes, as used in one included study [ 23 ], have been found to be comparable to SPAs [ 52 ].…”

Effectiveness of a training program for healthcare professionals on parental cancer: Results of a randomized controlled pilot‐study

“…Primary outcome was the competency to approach child‐ and family‐related themes in cancer patients. We developed a specific assessment tool, combining clinical case vignettes and situational judgment test methodology 24 . Each questionnaire included two clinical scenarios, reflecting cases of parents with cancer and measuring four domains: (1) transfer of knowledge into clinical practice, (2) empathic behavior toward affected parents, (3) integration of child‐ and family‐related themes into clinical practice ( behavior ) and (4) perceived relevance of integration.…”

Effects of a Meaning-Centered Spiritual Care Training Program for Hospice Palliative Care Teams in South Korea

“…Hu et al 20 emphasized that the purpose of spiritual care is to ease patients’ difficulties at the spiritual level and help them find meaning. Compared with other patients, the palliative care patients have more specific support and spiritual needs 21 . Hospice palliative care teams who witness the suffering and pain of patients in the face of an incurable disease may be more vulnerable to CF 22 …”

“…Compared with other patients, the palliative care patients have more specific support and spiritual needs. 21 Hospice palliative care teams who witness the suffering and pain of patients in the face of an incurable disease may be more vulnerable to CF. 22 Although Fillion et al 14 conducted a meaning-centered education program based on Viktor Frankl's logotherapy 7 for palliative care nurses, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies involving HPCTs.…”