[How do patients experience radiotherapy?]

In the course of a radiotherapy treatment oncological patients--in addition to some physical symptoms--often experience severe psychological distress. This study assesses and analyses the psychological strains emerging throughout a radio-oncological treatment. Specific intervention measures are being suggested to alleviate patient's psychosocial distress. This study is part of a psychosocial intervention project performed in a radio-oncological department.

Using a semi-standardised interviewing technique 30 radio-oncological in-patients were questioned in depth about their psychosocial situation. Subsequently a fully standardised written questionnaire was designed, enabling a further 150 patients to be investigated retrospectively, when presenting themselves for routine radio-oncological follow-up examinations.

In particular, the irradiation session itself, the waiting time beforehand, and the relationship to fellow patients were found to be potentially stressful. More than half of all patients reported anxiety during their first irradiation, which usually decreased during subsequent sessions, and in no case increased. One third of the 30 inpatients wished to have more contact and conversations with fellow-patients, e.g. while waiting for their treatment. The 150 retrospectively assessed patients stated a substantially lower wish for further contact. Almost one third of the in-patients apparently gained comfort from a downward comparison to patients who they perceived as being worse off than themselves.

Psychosocial intervention can help radiotherapy patients to cope with fears and distress, and thus enhance their quality of life. Support should be provided by psychological specialists, as well as by clinical staff in various ways. Anxiety concerning radiotherapy can often be alleviated through a sensitive and empathetic manner while explaining the radiotherapy process. Patient groups and seminars offer patients the opportunity to exchange experiences and to gain further information about their disease and treatment. In situations of extreme distress psychologists can accompany patients, and if necessary perform crisis intervention. Psychological specialists can also provide further education and support for the clinical staff.