ESPEC Oncology: Design and Early Implementation of a National Primary Palliative Care Workforce Development Program for Oncology Social Workers

Background: Oncology social workers deliver much of the psychosocial and primary palliative care in cancer settings, yet few national programs train them in palliative care, leadership, and practice change. This Project Report describes the design and early implementation of Educating Social Workers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Oncology (ESPEC Oncology), a 12-month national program. Methods: Participants are competitively selected. The three-phase program combines eight asynchronous modules, a 2-day skills workshop, and eight monthly mentorship webinars. Participants develop SMART goals with planned Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles and complete evaluations at baseline, post-workshop, and at 12 months. Feasibility and reach indicators are reported descriptively. Results: Across two recruitment cycles, 182 individuals applied (179 from 42 U.S. jurisdictions); 150 were eligible, and 90 program-funded positions were filled (selection rate 60%, 90/150). The 92 enrolled participants (including 2 institutionally funded) represented 37 jurisdictions and 85 practice sites. All 40 Cohort 1 participants (100%) were retained and completed all activities due through Month 10 of 12; all 52 Cohort 2 participants were retained at Month 3. Conclusions: These early data suggest that national recruitment and delivery are feasible. Participant outcomes, organizational practice change, and sustainability will be reported as additional cohorts complete the program.