J Cancer Educ. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02541-7. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
In Morocco, cancer is a disease with a concerning incidence to the point that patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. As a result, patient care requires a holistic approach, integrating medical treatment and appropriate psychosocial support to improve their well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial care competencies of oncology healthcare professionals at the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center (CHU) in Marrakech. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of doctors and nurses in the oncology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Marrakech. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic variables was drawn up, together with the Psychosocial Care Competency Self-Assessment Scale (PCCSAS), which measures psychosocial care competencies. A descriptive and analytical analysis was performed via SPSS software (V.26). The overall PCCSAS score was moderate (54.99 ± 13.96), with similar scores for the subscales of symptom diagnosis, intervention, information use and psychosocial care assessment. Professionals working in day hospitals scored significantly higher than those in inpatient settings did (p < 0.05), although the differences between nurses and oncologists were not statistically significant. Seniority showed no significant association with the PCCSAS score, although professionals with 15 or more years of experience obtained the highest scores (61.71 ± 11.22). A significant correlation was observed between the PCCSAS scale and its subscales (p < 0.005). This study revealed a moderate level of psychosocial care skills among healthcare professionals in oncology, compounded by a lack of specialized training. In the Moroccan context, developing a profile of nurses specializing in psychosocial care, introducing continuing education programs adapted to the specific needs of different departments, and promoting experience sharing between professionals to strengthen practical skills and improve the quality of patient care are recommended.
PMID:39562468 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-024-02541-7
