Identification and validation of competencies for use in objective structured clinical examinations for lay caregivers

Cancer care has shifted from the traditional hospital to alternative settings, thus requiring lay individuals to assume increased direct care responsibility. Cooperative Care is an example of an alternative acute care delivery model where a family member or a friend is responsible for care previously provided by healthcare professionals. The success of alternative models is dependent on effective educational programs with clearly defined expectations and methods for evaluating caregiver competence. Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) provide a standardized approach to evaluating caregiver performance in a simulated situation. The purpose of the first phase of this instrument development project was to identify and validate competencies for inclusion in OSCEs to be used with lay caregivers in preparation for Cooperative Care. The study included multiple methods of data collection: analysis of documents, viewing videos, observation with note taking, and a focus group session. All classes and materials provided for lay caregivers were reviewed. Core content domains and competencies were identified and used to develop OSCEs. A focus group of healthcare providers responsible for the education and care of patients and their caregivers validated the competencies embedded within the OSCEs. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the approach used for the identification and validation of competencies for lay caregivers.