Should I call psycho-oncology? Training nurses on psycho-oncological screening reduces uncertainties

PURPOSE: Psycho-oncological screening is required to identify distressed patients and direct them to psycho-oncological care. In practice, screening procedure and related communication are still insufficient due to various barriers on the side of the medical team. The aim of this study is to evaluate the specifically developed training (OptiScreen training) on screening from nurses’ perspective. METHODS: N = 72 nurses from visceral–oncological care at Hanover Medical School received the 6-h training, which consisted of three modules and targeted topics around screening, psycho-oncology and communication. The training was evaluated using a pre- and post-questionnaire assessing screening knowledge, uncertainties and further satisfaction outcomes. RESULTS: Personal uncertainties were significantly reduced by the training (t(63) = − 13.32, p < .001, d = 1.67). General satisfaction with the training was achieved (62.0–98.6% satisfied with the training elements). Feasibility (69%) and general acceptance (94.3%) for the training were rated positively. CONCLUSION: The nurses rated the training as useful to reduce personal uncertainties regarding the screening process. Acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction with the training from the nursing perspective were achieved. The training contributes to minimizing barriers to inform about psycho-oncology and to recommend appropriate support services to patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-023-04936-3.