A pilot study evaluation of psychosocial competency training for junior physicians working in oncology and hematology

BackgroundThis pilot and feasibility study evaluated a work-related self-care competency training in oncology and hematology medicine for junior physicians working in oncology and hematology medicine. MethodsA pilot study was conducted with 80 physicians working in oncology and hematology hospital departments in Germany. Physicians were distributed to either the intervention group receiving competency training or a comparison group. The intervention took place in groups over a period of 12weeks. Training content included work-related self-care strategies, problem-solving techniques solution-focused counselling. The outcomes studied were changes in work-related stress, emotional exhaustion, emotion regulation, and job satisfaction. Follow-up assessments were arranged after 12weeks (T1), after 24weeks (T2), and after 36weeks (T3). ResultsIntervention group reached a decrease in perceived job stress and emotional exhaustion. Self-perceived improvements were also obvious regarding enhanced emotion regulation skills. Future oncologists valued the intervention with high scores for training design, content, received outcome, and overall training satisfaction. ConclusionsThis study provided first indications that an innovative self-care competency training might be a supportive approach for junior physicians starting work in oncology and hematology. However, replication studies are needed to verify the results in the medical working context.