Opinion of representatives of the psycho-oncology community on the lack of coherent systemic solutions on the legal regulation of their profession

Abstract

Introduction. The profession of psycho-oncologist in Poland is not sufficiently regulated by law. Current solutions in the system involve contradictory regulations on obtaining qualifications to practice, which produces in effect systemic chaos and result in limited availability of services provided to oncology patients and their families by practitioners of this demanding profession. Material and methods.A survey conducted among psycho-oncologists concerning their professional identity was used in order to examine their opinion on the current legal regulations of this profession and the possible consequences of incoherent law solutions. The study used an original anonymous questionnaire entitled Survey on selected aspects of the psycho-oncology profession in the context of its scope and method of legal regulation and the Job Satisfaction Scale questionnaire.Results. The study showed that the inconsistency in legal regulations may result in restricted access to this profession, indicated doubts concerning the legal credentials required to use the professional title of psycho-oncologist and the lack of symmetry in individual competencies of practitioners with different underlying profession.Conclusions. The research confirmed the organizational chaos which negatively affects the way psycho-oncologists practice their profession. As a consequence the legislator intervention is required in order to modify the legal regulation of this profession.