Psychosocial Management of Cancer Patients

암 환자의 정신사회적 치료

The author presented several points of experienced materials obtained from the joint meetings of consultation-liaison Psychiatric division with oncologic department in Kyung Hee University Hospital. The joint meetings which have been held regularly every other week were very helpful not only for the psychiatrist but also for the cancer department stags to manage the cancer patients actively. The joint meetings have been progressed into more cohesive and active communication as time goes by. Most of the subjects discussed in the meeting was focused on the psychological and behavioral problems of the cancer patients. Besides, the difficulties arising from the chemotherapy were discussed. Probably the most difficult task for the treatment team was to provide complete information while respecting the patient's right to deny their situation The liaison psychiatrist usually gave comments to the charge doctor and/or nusing staff how to evaluate the patient's behavior and what would be the influential factors in developing the doctor-patient relationship. It was found that many cancer patients and their family members had their own peculiar illness behavior and disease concept which led patients to take non-medical or moreover, anti-therapeutic care. The family members were found to play an influential role in the choice of treatment method and progression of the disease. Another role of the liaison psychiatrist in the oncology ward was to encourage the treatment team members. In the practical point of view, it was not easy for the liaison psychiatrist to have time regularly for the cancer patients to encourage the liaison activities. And it seems to be fundamental that the consultation fee for the liaison psychiatrist should be set up at the resonable level.