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

BACKGROUND: This 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.

METHODS: A 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 12 weeks. 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 12 weeks (T1), after 24 weeks (T2), and after 36 weeks (T3).

RESULTS: Intervention 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.

CONCLUSIONS: This 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.