Role of Communication Between the Patient and Clinical Oncologist in Referral to Psychotherapy
摘要
Many psychosocial problems may develop in patients immediately after cancer diagnosis. The first interview with a medical oncologist often occurs after a diagnosis is made and after surgical treatment has been performed. In this interview, regardless of the stage, there are more questions about the prognosis of the disease. Effective, empathetic, and appropriate communication developed by the medical oncologist throughout the entire patient journey provides an environment in which patients can safely discuss their psychosocial problems. This situation creates the psychotherapist role that medical oncologists acquire, even if they do not want to assume it at all. Therefore, communication is created in which patients can determine when and where they need mental health care. As a result, referral to a psychotherapist and mental health care by a medical oncologist may be easier, and a medical oncologist who is in communication with the psychotherapist will give confidence to the patient in this regard. In this chapter, tips on the importance of communication between clinical oncologists and patients diagnosed with cancer, the difficulties of secret psychotherapist roles they undertake, and, most importantly, tips on communication skills in the process of referring patients to psychotherapy or mental health department are compiled.