[Social support of radiotherapy patients in emotional stress and crisis situations]

This study assesses the psychosocial strains imposed upon radio-oncological patients throughout their treatment. We investigated patients' resources of social support and their relationship towards doctors, nursing staff and technical staff.

One hundred and fifty radio-oncological follow-up patients were asked retrospectively to complete a standardised written questionnaire. This was preceded by 30 in-depth interviews led with radio-oncological in-patients who currently received treatment.

Radiotherapy patients reported a spectrum of major stresses, which showed a considerable individual variability. Many patients had experienced emotional crises during hospitalization for their radiation treatment. Most frequently the main social support was provided by relatives. Still, medical staff also played an important supportive role in alleviating emotional distress. Almost half of all patients appeared to have a generally positive attitude towards psychological counseling.

This study is part of a psychosocial intervention project established in a radiotherapy department. Support is provided for patients directly, e.g. through crisis intervention, supportive therapy, creative therapy, etc. In addition, indirect intervention is aimed at enhancing psychosocial competences of the clinical staff, through lectures, case conferences and seminars.