A Systematic Encounter with a Psycho-oncologist: Longitudinal Study in Women with Breast Cancer
David Ogez *
King Albert II Cancer Institute, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium and Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-neuve, Belgium
Emmanuelle Zech
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-neuve, Belgium
Aline Van Maanen
King Albert II Cancer Institute, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
Céline Brison
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-neuve, Belgium
Sylviane Meulemans
Breast Cancer Clinic, Saint-Pierre Hospital, Ottignies, Belgium
Mireille Aimont
Breast Cancer Clinic, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
François Duhoux
King Albert II Cancer Institute, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
Martine Berlière
King Albert II Cancer Institute, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
Philippe de Timary
Department of Adult Psychiatry, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer patients usually will not ask for psychological support. To increase the proportion of patients who may benefit from psychological support, an encounter was implemented in our hospital, within days following the announcement of a breast cancer diagnosis. In the current study the interest and the efficiency of such an intervention on the distress across the stages of the oncological treatment was assessed.
Methods: A longitudinal design with an intervention group and a control group that did not receive the visit of the psychologist was performed. Sociodemographic and disease information, distress, coping, and patients’ needs were assessed on three occasions (diagnosis, treatment and end of treatment).
Results: A significant decrease in depression (p < .05), in needs of medical information (p < .05) and a mobilization of distractive coping (p < .05) was found only in the encounter group.
Conclusion: Current research indicates that an encounter with the psychologist can be helpful to cope with cancer. It also highlights the importance of coping from cancer patients. Hence, although the intervention of a psycho-oncologist is not always necessary, a systematic encounter is an adequate time where a possible psychological consultation is proposed.
Keywords: Psycho-oncology, distress, coping, needs, breast cancer, quasi-experiment