Oncology social worker competencies and implications for education and training

A mailed and online survey of 622 members of the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) indicated their proportion of time committed to certain aspects of practice and to certain population groups, and the extent to which they feel competent in various practice areas. Respondents indicated high levels of competence in 17 topic areas, including promotion of patient coping skills, end-of-life issues, and group work. Topic areas in which at least one third of respondents indicated little to no competence included pain assessment and management, cognitive behavioral therapy, complementary and alternative practices, and political advocacy. Although respondents indicated that they spend approximately 10% of their time with non-English-speaking populations, 50% of the sample indicated that they have little to no competence working with this population. Differences in levels of competence by years of experience and work setting were noted across many areas. Findings from this survey may be useful in the development of curriculum for preparing oncology social workers for practice in today's changing health care environment.