Building a foundation for the dissemination and implementation of psychotherapy for cancer patients.

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and other psychological distress are symptoms experienced by many cancer patients at any stage of cancer treatment, from immediately after diagnosis to the end of life, or even after treatment is completed. Interventions for psychological distress are expected to improve not only psychiatric symptoms but also various other problems patients face, such as reduction of physical symptoms, improvement of daily activities, improvement of adherence to cancer treatment, and prevention of suicide.

In many studies, psychotherapy has been shown to be effective for the psychological distress of cancer patients. In major overseas treatment guidelines, psychotherapy is recommended as the first-line treatment. On the other hand, in actual medical practice, the system for providing psychotherapy is inadequate. Patients who need psychological support are not receiving sufficient assistance. Therefore, the dissemination and implementation of psychotherapy in cancer care is a top-priority issue to be addressed.

In Japan, there are very few previous studies on the actual activities of psychologists in cancer care. It has not been clarified what kind of psychological interventions are provided to what kind of patients. In addition, psychologists, who are the primary providers of psychotherapy, have few opportunities to receive education on psychological support in cancer care in their training programs. Many psychologists provide psychological interventions through trial and error.

Therefore, this study aims to establish a foundation for the dissemination and implementation of psychotherapy for cancer patients, with the following two objectives

to clarify the actual status of psychological interventions practiced with cancer patients
to organize psychological techniques needed in cancer care.

Specifically, a retrospective review will be conducted based on the medical records of patients in whom psychotherapists have intervened over the past three years. Identify the characteristics of the patients targeted for psychological support and the content of psychological interventions. Based on this, focus group interviews will be conducted to organize the psychological techniques needed in cancer care.

Perspectives

It is possible to clarify the current status of psychological support for cancer patients, which is still not sufficiently clear in Japan.
This study will provide a milestone of psychological support for psychologists involved in cancer care.
This research may lead to the improvement of psychologists' skills and the dissemination of psychological support in cancer care settings.

Comments from principal researcher

Yuko Yanai (Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psycho-oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital)

As a clinical psychologist, I have been involved in psychological support and research for cancer patients. Many cancer patients face emotional difficulties and psychosocial difficulties associated with cancer. Through this research, I would like to contribute to the dissemination and implementation of psychological support to help patients improve their daily lives and reintegrate into society.

Shared Researchers

Akie Shindo (Clinical Psychologist, Division of Clinical Psychology, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine)