Teaching the emotional aspects of cancer care

In response to an awareness of the emotional needs of cancer patients and their families, a psychosocial oncology conference was begun at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Houston, TX approximately 10 years ago. Its goal has been to educate medical staff about the mental health issues of cancer patients and to educate mental health professionals regarding the medical problems facing cancer patients. This article discusses the development of the conference, its objectives, its format, and its accomplishments. Patients are selected for the conference on the basis of the presenting problem and the potential for optimal education of staff members. The patient's case is presented, a live interview with the patient is conducted, and a discussion of the pertinent issues follows. Illustrative case examples are presented in order to demonstrate the value of this meeting for the participants. Throughout its history, the conference has undergone a number of changes, primarily in response to the reactions and needs of those involved. These modifications are described, along with the results which have been achieved and the implications for the expansion of this concept.