Abstract CN42
Background
The Macmillan specialist cancer nurse census, (2017) highlighted increasing diversity in the workforce but a lack of consistency in the competencies of teams delivering person centred cancer care, and consequent variation in patient experience. To date, only uni-professional competencies exist. To ensure a person-centred approach Macmillan set out to clarify what competencies are needed in the workforce, at what level, to address seven common unmet needs frequently experienced by cancer patients including fatigue, symptom management, financial and emotional support.
Methods
We commissioned the Calderdale Framework team to use their evidence-based workforce transformation tool. We worked with ten partners who reflected on their actual practice, to build consensus about the competencies required. Over 150 staff participated across many tumour sites.
Results
Macmillan have produced a career framework overview, competencies using National Occupational Standard (NOS) for posts from level 1 (entry level or volunteer) to level 8 (consultant level) as set out by Skills for Health, and “ contribution by role “ descriptors detailing how each level role will address each need. These resources will enable assessment of existing levels of competency and support identification of possible approaches to improve competency for professional development and creation of new roles. The approach is intended to be an aid to identifying potential gaps in skills, rather than a solution.
Conclusions
In conclusion the use of the Calderdale Framework resulted in a competency framework allowing further documentation and case studies to be gathered promoting the competency framework for use instead of an used ‘self-document. As well as demonstrating how future application in practice can support patients to access timely person - centred support from competent staff regardless of type of post and facilitates personal and team development whilst freeing up capacity of senior staff to manage complex care and improve work experience.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Jaqueline Goodchild Macmillan Cancer Support.
Legal entity responsible for the study
Macmillan Cancer Support.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.