Expanding the Oncofertility Workforce: Training Allied Health Professionals to Improve Health Outcomes for Adolescents and Young Adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Keywords
fertility, oncofertility, psychosocial, quality of life, survivorship, supportive care
Abstract
As cancer survivors live longer, fertility and reproductive health become important health concerns. Like other secondary effects of cancer treatment, these anticipated health risks should be addressed before the initiation of cancer treatment. While existing and emerging technologies may prevent or reduce risk of infertility (e.g., sperm, oocyte, embryo, or tissue banking), the lack of a trained workforce knowledgeable about oncology and reproductive health poses a barrier to care. The allied health professional (AHP) is a target of opportunity because of the direct and sustained patient relationships. Thus, developing tailored educational programs for nurses, social workers, psychologists, and physician assistants is an urgent unmet need toward field building. In this report, we outline results from a pilot study evaluating AHP perceptions of an oncology and reproductive health curriculum originally developed for nurses and adapted to meet the needs of several other AHP groups.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2016.0003
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, v. 5, issue 3, p. 292-296
Scholar Commons Citation
Quinn, Gwendolyn P.; Woodruff, Teresa K.; Knapp, Caprice A.; Bowman, Meghan Lorraine; Reinecke, Joyce; and Vadaparampil, Susan T., "Expanding the Oncofertility Workforce: Training Allied Health Professionals to Improve Health Outcomes for Adolescents and Young Adults" (2016). Oncologic Sciences Faculty Publications. 21.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/onc_facpub/21
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
