Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy Online Training Program: Feasibility and Impact on Clinician Knowledge Uptake

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Delivering psychosocial support to cancer patients and families in acute settings is difficult.
• Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy (ACCT) was developed to address this need by adapting cognitive therapy techniques.
• A need exists for accessible training in ACCT for healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of a six-hour web-based training program for Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy (ACCT).
• To evaluate the effectiveness of ACCT training for professionals in psychosocial oncology.

Main Methods:

• A six-hour web-based training on ACCT was developed and delivered.
• Professionals in psychosocial oncology were recruited via in-person events and social media.
• Knowledge of ACCT was assessed using pre- and post-training tests, analyzed with paired-samples t-tests.

Main Results:

• 46 professionals completed the training, predominantly female social workers and psychologists.
• Post-training ACCT knowledge scores were significantly higher than baseline, with an average increase of 19.78 points.
• The web-based training demonstrated feasibility and a positive impact on learner knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Web-based training is a feasible method for teaching Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy (ACCT).
• The training positively impacts professionals' knowledge of ACCT, enhancing psychosocial support capacity.
• Future research should explore retention, multicultural adaptation, and long-term skill durability.