Psychosocial Care for Adult Cancer Patients: Guidelines of the Italian Medical Oncology Association
by
, , , ,
Caterina Caminiti
1
,
Francesca Diodati
1,
Maria Antonietta Annunziata
2,
Paola Di Giulio
3,
Luciano Isa
4,
Paola Mosconi
5,
Maria Giulia Nanni
6,
Adele Patrini
7,
Michela Piredda
8
,
Claudia Santangelo
9,
Claudio Verusio
10,
Michela Cinquini
11,
Veronica Andrea Fittipaldo
11 and
Rodolfo Passalacqua
12,* 1
Clinical and Epidemiology Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
2
Oncological Psychology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
3
Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
4
Division of Oncology, Hospital of Melegnano, 20064 Gorgonzola, Italy
5
Laboratory for Medical Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
6
Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
7
Associazione C.A.O.S. Varese, FAVO Comitato Regionale Lombardia, 21041 Albizzate, Italy
8
Research Unit of Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
9
Associazione Vivere Senza Stomaco Si Può Onlus, 44123 Ferrara, Italy
10
Department of Medical Oncology, Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno, ASST Valle Olona, 21047 Saronno, Italy
11
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
12
Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology, ASST of Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2021, 13(19), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13194878
Submission received: 7 September 2021
/
Revised: 23 September 2021
/
Accepted: 24 September 2021
/
Published: 29 September 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Oncology: Recent Advances and Challenges)
Simple Summary
People with cancer often experience psychological and social needs, related to their disease and treatments, that can negatively impact quality of life. Various social interventions can be helpful but are not always offered to patients who would benefit from them. This guideline aims to help oncology professionals address the psychosocial aspects of their adult patients and of those who care for them. It was compiled by a multidisciplinary panel, including patients, using rigorous methodology. Topics include patient information and communication, screening and management of psychosocial needs, and caregiver support. In particular, evidence emphasizes that nurses play a central role in providing psychosocial care and information for cancer patients, and that Physician communication skills must be improved with specific evidence-based training. In addition, psychosocial needs must be promptly detected and managed, especially with appropriate non-pharmacological interventions.
Abstract
Psychosocial morbidity can have negative consequences for cancer patients, including maladaptive coping, poor treatment adherence, and lower quality of life. Evidence shows that psychosocial interventions can positively impact quality of life, as well as symptoms and side effects; however, they are not always offered to patients who might benefit from them. These guidelines were produced by a multidisciplinary panel of 16 experts, including patients, following GRADE methodology. The panel framed clinical questions and voted on outcomes to investigate. Studies identified by rigorous search strategies were assessed to rate certainty of evidence, and recommendations were formulated by the panel. Although the quality of the evidence found was generally moderate, interventions could be recommended aimed at improving patient information, communication with healthcare professionals and involvement in decision-making; detecting and managing patient psychosocial needs, particularly with non-pharmacological therapy; and supporting families of patients with advanced cancer. The role of nurses as providers of information and psychosocial care is stressed. Most recommended interventions do not appear to necessitate new services or infrastructures, and therefore do not require allocation of additional resources, but predominantly involve changes in clinical staff behavior and/or ward organization. Patients should be made aware of psychosocial care standards so that they can expect to receive them.
