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Pathologist-Led Support in Palliative Cancer Care: A Consultative Approach to Enhancing Patient Understanding,
Yumiko Ogushi1, Noriyuki Sato2, Toshiro Kusakabe3
1Director of Nursing and Vice Director, Higashi Sapporo Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Pathologist-led consultations enhance cancer patient understanding and autonomy in palliative care. This unique service provides clarity on disease, prognosis, and emotional well-being, empowering patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Medical Humanities
Background:
- A specialized outpatient service led by a pathologist was established in Japan.
- The clinic,
- Knowing the Disease Well
- aims to improve patient comprehension of their illness.
- It supports patient autonomy in decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a unique pathologist-led outpatient service for cancer patients.
- To assess the service's impact on patient understanding, autonomy, and emotional well-being.
Main Methods:
- Weekly, free one-hour consultations offered to cancer patients and their families.
- Discussions covered medical explanations (diagnosis, pathology, tests, treatments, prognosis) and emotional/existential concerns.
- Data collected from May 2015 to March 2025.
Main Results:
- 37 cancer patients (aged 30-80) attended, with 452 consultations conducted over a decade.
- Patients reported increased clarity, relief, and strengthened autonomy.
- A case study highlighted improved emotional balance and future confidence.
Conclusions:
- Pathologist counseling is a valuable, underutilized aspect of comprehensive palliative care.
- Further research is needed to assess broader impact and applicability in other settings.
Keywords:
clinicalneoplasmspalliative carepathologypatient participationphysician-patient relationsprofessional-family relationsMore Related Videos
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