Psychosocial oncology care resources in Europe: a study under the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer (EPAAC)

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a complex health problem requiring multidisciplinary care. There are clinical guidelines available in order to improve the process and outcomes of cancer care within Europe. However, strategic action is still needed in many European Union (EU) Member States to develop or improve national cancer control plans (NCCPs), which play a key role in cancer control and care. The current study clarifies the extent of implementation of psychosocial oncology care (PSOC) in the EU.Method: A survey methodology was used to cover four dimensions: (1) inclusion of PSOC in NCCPs; (2) structure and resources of PSOC delivery; (3) use of NCCP clinical guidelines; and (4) education and training resources available along with determination of training needs in PSOC.Results: Twenty-seven (90%) countries returned questionnaires of which 21 (78%) include PSOC in their NCCP. However, only 10 (37%) reported having specific budgets for PSOC, 8 (30%) having nationally recommended PSOC clinical guidelines, and 6 countries (22%) reported having an official certification for PSOC education.Conclusion: Although many countries seem to have integrated PSOC into their NCCP, there is still much to do in terms of allocating resources and delivering psychosocial care equitably. Also, there is a need for improving training and certification in PSOC. The findings indicate the need to develop national policies concerning PSOC with clear targets for deliverables in an appropriate timetable in order that psychosocial services and existing clinical guidelines are implemented and fully integrated into EU NCCPs.

Disparities in psychosocial cancer care: a report from the International Federation of Psycho‐oncology Societies

“…In Europe, a recent survey conducted under the European Partnership on Action Against Cancer and involving 27 representatives of European countries showed that only 8 (30%) reported having nationally recommended psychosocial oncology care (PSOC) clinical guidelines, with 10 (37%) having specific budgets for PSOC, and 6 (22%) having an official certification for PSOC education …”

Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the prevalence, barriers and management of psychosocial issues in cancer care: A mixed methods study

“…Lack of time and resources, inadequate interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, limited knowledge of and familiarity with psychosocial well-being and care options were found to be barriers for HCP to integrate the psychosocial approach in routine care (Dilworth, Higgings, Parker, Kelly, & Turner, 2014;Fagerlind, Kettis, Glimelius, & Ring, 2013;Wei et al, 2017). As found in the study of Travado, Reis, Watson, and Borras (2015), HCP feel that the existing financing system of cancer care and the (lack of) coordination in the psychosocial approach induce thresholds. Nurses could, for example, have a more explicit role in detecting, working with and referring for psychosocial needs of cancer patients, integrated in a multidisciplinary team approach (Ercolano, 2017).…”

Cancer care and the role of psychosocial oncology: Where are we and where are we going?

“…The evolution of psychosocial oncology as a discipline and the implementation of international standards[17] of cancer care will take much hard and sustained work as well as both human and financial resources. Cancer care professionals need to work with all professional, political, and business communities to conduct research and disseminate the benefits of psychosocial care to patients, institutions, and governments.…”