Building Mental Health Care Literacy in Oncology Nurses: Impact of an Effective Training Program

J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025 Jul;56(7):283-292. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20250611-07. Epub 2025 Jul 1.

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a training program on mental health literacy (MHL) outcomes among participating nurses.

Method: A mixed method approach was used. Quantitative data were collected with pre- and posttraining MHL assessment surveys. Qualitative data were gathered through semistructured interviews to evaluate the acceptability of the training program.

Results: A total of 144 nurses participated in the training and completed training assessments. The global MHL score showed a significant increase, rising from 113.3 (SD = 9.8) to 117.1 (SD = 11.9) after the workshop.

Conclusion: The training program made measurable strides in enhancing certain aspects of MHL among oncology nurses, yet it fell short in addressing some domains for effective mental health care. To fully empower nurses, future iterations of the program must prioritize practical skill-building, targeted learning in underperforming domains, and a more interactive, flexible training approach. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025;56(7):283-292.].

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing* / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health* / education
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital* / education
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital* / psychology
  • Oncology Nursing* / education
  • Program Evaluation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires