Individual psychological support for cancer patients: utilisation and patient satisfaction

A short-term, problem-focused Individual Psychological Support (IPS) intervention was evaluated. The IPS was one of the interventions in a study where 527 patients newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, gastric or prostate cancer were randomised between IPS (n = 265) and a control condition (n = 262). The IPS made use of cognitive-behavioural techniques and aimed at reducing depression and anxiety, to increase the feeling of mastery of the situation and to facilitate active participation in medical treatments. Half of the patients receiving the IPS had more than 2 sessions. After termination of the IPS, the patients were mailed a questionnaire concerning satisfaction with and perceived benefit from the IPS. A majority of the responding patients stated that their problems were addressed to a great extent, that the number of contacts was adequate and that the IPS came at the right time. Patients reporting problems received more sessions and perceived more benefits than patients reporting no problems.