Clinical judgment of the need for professional mental health care in patients with cancer: a qualitative study among oncologists and nurses.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

In daily practice, oncologists and nurses frequently need to decide whether or not to refer a patient for professional mental health care. We explored the indicators oncologists and nurses use to judge the need for professional mental health care in patients with cancer.

Methods

In a qualitative study, oncologists (n = 8) and nurses (n = 6) were each asked to select patients who were or were not referred for professional mental health care (total n = 75). During a semi-structured interview, they reflected on their decision concerning the possible referral of the patient. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Respondents reported using a strategy when judging whether professional mental health care was needed. They allowed patients time to adj

SUBMITTER: Karchoud JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10209294 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature