[Psycho-oncology in the Herford district clinic--the Herford model]

Following successful implementation of psychooncological support in a community hospital the focus has now been shifted to build up support for outpatients. This concentrates on cancer patients and their relatives during and following ambulatory cancer therapy. It is important to integrate these new structures into the preexisting support structures (self-help groups and counselling centres). Experiences of recent years have shown that information and psychosocial support should also be given to families and friends of cancer patients as well as to the involved clinical staff. Outpatient groups have been und will be offered in the psychooncological aftercare. Relaxation, imagination and creative therapy help to cope with the disease and enable a health-promoting life style.