Training Health Professionals in Psychosocial Aspects of Cancer

Abstract

This article describes an intensive, nine-month continuing education program in psychosocial aspects of cancer designed for allied health care professionals that was conducted at the University of California in Los Angeles from 1978 to 1981. Major components of the program included (1) a basic didactic seminar, (2) supervised groups in individual, family, and sexual counseling in oncology settings, and (3) consultation visits by faculty to trainees' clinical settings. Issues discussed include goals of the program, criteria for selecting trainees, key content areas, pedagogic approaches, source materials, and selected program outcomes. The model has been implemented successfully in a variety of community hospitals and medical centers as part of a community-based cancer control program.