Research by Students in Psycho-Oncology:
Building a bridge between academic knowledge
and clinical work
Verzelen A. MA1, Bauwens S. MA2, Distelmans W. MD PhD2, Eelen S. MA1, Jacobs E. MA1
1. Cédric Hèle instituut vzw, Bruul 52/4, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
2. Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Oncology Centre, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
The Cédric Hèle Institute is the Flemish Institute of Psychosocial Oncology (CHi). One of
BACKGROUND
the main objectives of the institute is to organize and coordinate education and training in
psycho-oncology. In 2006 CHi developed a post academic training program in psychooncology, in close cooperation with the Flemish universities. In this 2 year curriculum psychologists and other masters in psychosocial sciences are educated and trained in the practice of psycho-oncology.
In 2010, after 2 training cycles, the Belgian government decided to fund the education program.
The training program ‘Psycho-oncology’ is evidence-based. All topics are taught by experts in
METHODS
the field. Besides this academic fundament the program has a clinical focus. Students
participate (in small groups) in practice guided sessions where they reflect on their own
functioning in their jobs by means of group discussions and role playing. The program has 156 training hours in total, of which 15 hours
(9%) are medical focused, 84 hours (54%) psychosocial and 57 hours (37%) are practical sessions.
To get their degree the students have to complete a scientific research paper and to fulfill individual clinical supervision.
In September 2014
the 4th edition of the
program has ended.
In those 8 years 86 students subscribed. Of the 3 first cycles 60
graduated of which 59 are psychologists and one is a medical
doctor. This implicates that 60 papers are written and published
on the CHI website. Conclusions of these papers were often
implemented in the clinical setting of the onco-psychologists
There often is a gap between the results of research and the
clinical practice. The program trains students to develop essential
clinical skills. Conducting an empirical study and writing a
scientific paper encourages them to use good practices in their
daily clinical contacts.
RESULTS
After graduation, students have a better knowledge of the field of psycho-oncology.
CONCLUSION
The scientific research paper challenges them to look critical at their work, to make time for
reading scientific literature and to implement their findings in their clinical work.
The individual supervision and practice guided sessions (some with actors) are good opportunities to train their professional skills
and to go through extensive learning experiences.
The program supports psychologists in their functioning and might protect them from burn out/compassion fatigue.
The graduation papers are a source of information for other care givers in oncology, they can download the papers from the CHI
website.
RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS
The program promotes evidence based practice, but also creates
contacts between the academics and the clinical practitioners,
which stimulates clinical based evidence.
With the training program the CHi and the Flemish universities
want to enforce the link between the academic and the clinical
world in psycho-oncology.
During the program many academics teach their recent results in
scientific research to the students.
The psychologists in the program write a scientific paper on a
relevant subject in psycho-oncology, which is published on the
website of the institute. These can be a lead for scientists, in
search of interesting research projects.
The Cédric Hèle instituut was
founded thanks to the support of
the national society ‘Vlaamse Liga
tegen Kanker’ (the Flemish League
against Cancer).
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The program and the research paper is a good tool in
the empowerment of the onco-psychologists. It helps
them to conduct better practices. Besides it makes
psychologists stronger in finding their way and place in
a multi-disciplinary setting. Psychologists can play an
important role in these teams. By this empowerment
they are able to share their knowledge and use their
skills to support the other team members.
This program aims to contribute to evidence based and
human care for cancer patients and their families.
info@cedric-heleinstituut.be
www.cedric-heleinstituut.be