Utilization of the Oncology Rehabilitation Competency Tool Among Rehabilitation Students and Professionals

Research Objectives: To demonstrate the utilization of a cancer rehabilitation competency tool among rehabilitation professionals. The tool aims to standardize the evaluation of gaps in knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals delivering oncology rehabilitation to patients, and determining intervention action items.

Design: The Oncology Rehabilitation Competency tool was developed based on the results of a Delphi study conducted by the ACRM’s CRNG’s Education Task Force. The tool was validated using cognitive interviewing. The finalized tool was then implemented in various settings

Setting: Academic and clinical cancer rehabilitation programs

Participants: Students and rehabilitation professionals from various rehabilitation disciplines at cancer rehabilitation programs

Interventions: Participants utilized the competency tool with trainees and/or employees to evaluate gaps in knowledge and skills pertinent to oncology rehabilitation. Participants reported the outcomes of the utilization of the tool on a questionnaire provided to them

Main Outcome Measures: Following utilization of the tool, the following outcomes were computed: healthcare disciplines successfully included; type of settings included; ability of the tool to replace previous tools if utilized; ability of the tool to evaluate gaps in knowledge and skills; ability of the tool to identify ongoing competency needs; applicability of the tool to a variety of oncology diagnoses as well as to healthcare professionals and students; methods to address gaps; ease of use of the tool customized to population/setting and ability of the tool to serve as a compliance measure.

Results: The tool was utilized with various disciplines and in multiple settings. It was found to be easy to customize and use as a compliance tool. The tool was successful in evaluating gaps in knowledge and skills and identifying ongoing competency needs. We will give examples of how the tool was used, gaps in knowledge and skills that were identified and how these gaps were addressed.

Conclusions: The Oncology Rehabilitation Competency Tool can be used to evaluate students/ healthcare professionals’ gaps in basic knowledge and skills required when delivering cancer care. The information can then be utilized to create standardized methods in addressing those gaps adding standardization to cancer care.

Author(s) Disclosures: Maureen McBeth, non presenting author is employed in Med Affairs with ImpediMed