Expanding Psycho-Oncology Services in India: Perspectives From Physicians in Cancer Care Centres

Given the rising importance of mental health in current times, it also calls for attention to how cancer care services can be improved upon by integrating the emotional needs of patients and caregivers in India. The country's unique diversity and socio-cultural fabric presents unseen challenges; therefore, this study explores the enablers and barriers of integrating psycho-oncology services in India through the lens of physicians working in cancer care settings.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 physicians (medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and palliative physicians) who had worked in cancer care along with a psycho-oncologist, over the past 2 years. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Four major themes and 15 sub-themes emerged during the analysis. All physicians unanimously reported that psycho-oncology services have been an enabler in the cancer care continuum, as well as a key catalyst in improving their productivity, impacting the overall treatment outcome. However, the multifaceted problem space requires national-level interventions to streamline an equitable delivery of psycho-oncology services across India. Major and sub-themes were identified and documented along with the text excerpts in the table.

This study highlighted the much-needed appreciation of the intangible value added by early interventions from psycho-oncology professionals in India, as expressed by the beneficiaries of this service. The study also revealed the potential challenges hindering its growth, and perspectives from professionals across the country reinforced the need for novel solutions that address unique challenges while embracing its diversity.