Provider self-efficacy & mental health services: A survey of rural & frontier association of oncology social work members

This study sought to establish if a relationship exists between self-efficacy and the professional behaviors of providing mental health assessments and supportive counseling for persons diagnosed with cancer by members of the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) who practice in rural and frontier communities. The New Generalized Self-Efficacy (NGSE) scale was used to measure provider self-efficacy and professional practices were assessed by a 20-item researcher-developed questionnaire. Nineteen AOSW members who practice as oncology social workers in rural and frontier communities completed this study. This research found no significant relationship between AOSW member self-efficacy and either the administration of mental health assessments or the provision of supportive counseling for persons diagnosed with cancer.