Providers search for ways to help cancer patients with psychosocial challenges: Increasing numbers of hospitals are exploring methods beyond group support

摘要

For patients and their families, the physical challenges of fighting cancer are difficult enough, but what often gets overlooked are the accompanying psychological and social problems. According to Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, chief of oncology social work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, among the many emotions cancer patients experience are: Fear, anxiety, and sadness concerning a range of issues, including what will happen to them during and after treatment, whether they will be able to work through treatment and beyond, and what will be the financial implications of their illness.