# Training Cancer Care Providers to Implement Sensitive Practice Guidelines When Treating Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Blended Learning Approach

> **NIH NIH R25** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2020 · $265,098

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Rationale: Sexual violence (SV) statistics are staggering: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men has experienced sexual
violence in their lifetime. For SV survivors, cancer care can be triggering and retraumatizing due to perceived
similarities between aspects of cancer treatment and the original SV (e.g., being asked to undress, lie still,
being touched by authority figures). This triggering and retraumatization can be associated with non-adherence
to cancer screening and treatment. Yet despite the prevalence of SV and the negative effects it can have on
patients' cancer treatment experiences, training in working with SV survivors is not a standard component of
cancer care providers' education. Objectives: The goal of the proposed R25E is to train a multidisciplinary
group of cancer care providers in sensitive practice skills for working with survivors of SV. The proposed
Sensitive Practice Training (SPT) Program will teach providers to help their SV survivor patients to feel as safe
and empowered as possible during cancer screening and treatment. The program would be the first,
nationwide, sensitive practice training program of its kind. The training format for the SPT program is blended
learning, combining E-Learning and a two-day live workshop. The faculty represents multiple disciplines
including psychology, radiation oncology, radiation therapy, and physical therapy. The Specific Aims are to: 1)
evaluate trainee accrual to, retention in, and satisfaction with our SPT training program; 2) evaluate the
effectiveness of the SPT program on trainees' sensitive practice knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy for using
these skills in practice; and, 3) evaluate the impact of the SPT program on trainees' real-world practice using a
mixed-methods approach. The SPT content is guided by Schachter's “Umbrella of Safety” principles (respect,
rapport, taking time, sharing information, sharing control, respecting boundaries, mutual learning,
understanding non-linear healing, demonstrating an understanding of sexual violence). The evaluation plan for
the SPT program is guided by Miller's pyramid of clinical competencies, and will focus on four levels of
evaluation: knowledge, competence, performance, and action. Evaluations will be linked to each training
module, and will be administered prior to, during, and 3 months after program participation. Methods: A
multidisciplinary group of cancer care providers (N=200; including medical, nursing, allied health, and
psychosocial providers) from across the country will be recruited via professional organizations and
conferences. Long-term goals: By training a large cohort of cancer care providers in sensitive practice
techniques, the proposed R25E is a critical first step toward enhancing the ability of the cancer care workforce
to meet the needs of SV survivors undergoing cancer care, a large and largely overlooked group. Connection
to NCI mission: This project is consistent with NCI's emphasis on promoting h...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9895664
- **Project number:** 5R25CA236636-02
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** Julie B. Schnur
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $265,098
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9895664

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9895664, Training Cancer Care Providers to Implement Sensitive Practice Guidelines When Treating Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Blended Learning Approach (5R25CA236636-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9895664. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*