American Psychosocial Oncology Society Position Papers

Background

As the nation’s only multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the psychosocial care of individuals affect by cancer, APOS is in a unique position to collectively represent the expert opinions of social workers, nurses, psychologists, and physicians. The APOS board commissions position papers on key issues in psychosocial oncology. Position papers are written by a task force of APOS members with expertise in the specific topic. Other organizations may join the APOS task force to develop a joint position paper. The APOS board approves the position papers before they are released.

APOS Position Papers

In preparation for the new American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer standard in 2015 to screen patients for distress, APOS coordinated the development of a set of recommendations for the implementation of distress screening in cancer centers. APOS, the Association for Oncology Social Work (AOSW), and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) worked together to develop a joint position paper.

Other Papers of Interest

Psychosocial Care for Patients and Their Families is Integral to Supportive Care in Cancer: MASCC Position Statement 
Surbone A, Baider L, Weitzman TS, Brames MJ, Rittenbert CN, Johnson J. Supportive Care Cancer.2010. 18:255–263.
This position paper is written by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in cancer and reviews common psychosocial concerns of cancer patients experienced throughout the cancer treatment trajectory

Quality Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Position Statement
Zebrack B, Mathews-Bradshaw B, Siegel S. , Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(32) 4862-4867, 2010
This position paper offers recommendations to enhance oncologic care of adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer

Other relevant position papers affecting psychosocial oncology providers can be found through:
Association of Oncology Social Work
Oncology Nursing Society

board approves the position papers before they are released.