A focus on the psychosocial impacts of living with blood cancer
Sep 18, 2024
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Lorna Warwick, from the Lymphoma Coalition, shares insights from a global patient survey on the psychosocial effects of living with lymphoma. Surabhi Chaturvedi, a senior psychotherapist in hematological oncology, discusses the emotional and psychological distress faced by blood cancer patients and emphasizes the need for better psychosocial support. They explore the vital role of communication, community, and emotional support in enhancing patient well-being and coping strategies for both patients and healthcare providers.
Over 80% of blood cancer patients report psychosocial distress that significantly affects their overall mental health and caregiving dynamics.
Effective patient-provider communication and integrated psychotherapy play crucial roles in alleviating emotional challenges at various treatment stages.
Deep dives
Psychosocial Stressors in Blood Cancer Patients
Blood cancer patients often experience significant psychosocial stressors, with over 80% reporting distress related to their diagnosis and treatment. This distress affects not only the patients but also 90% of caregivers, highlighting the widespread impact of blood cancers on overall mental health. A key challenge is that many patients do not communicate these feelings to their healthcare providers, resulting in insufficient support. Clinical practice guidelines exist to address these psychosocial needs, yet they are frequently underutilized in practice, suggesting a critical gap in patient care.
Addressing Psychosocial Needs through Patient Interaction
Healthcare providers can improve patient experiences by proactively addressing psychosocial needs during consultations. Simple measures, such as offering relevant information or facilitating connections with patient support organizations, can significantly alleviate distress. Studies show that when patients receive clear communication about their illness and treatment, they tend to cope better emotionally and physically. This underscores the idea that effective patient-provider communication is crucial at every stage of the treatment process.
The Role of Psychotherapy in Patient Care
Psychotherapy serves an essential role in supporting blood cancer patients across various stages of their treatment journey. For newly diagnosed patients, therapists can help normalize their strong emotional responses while facilitating healthier coping mechanisms. As patients transition out of treatment, they often confront fears related to relapse, necessitating ongoing psychological support. Furthermore, integrating psychotherapy within multidisciplinary teams enables a holistic approach, improving overall patient outcomes and emotional well-being.
Improving Post-Transplant Psychological Support
After a stem cell transplant, patients frequently experience psychological distress caused by long hospital stays and the reality of potential long-term complications. Regular follow-ups can evoke feelings of anxiety about ongoing health challenges and the risk of graft-versus-host disease. To mitigate this, it's important to provide comprehensive psychological support before and after the transplant procedure, alongside clear communication of risks and expectations. Creative interventions, such as exercise or group therapy, may also offer valuable additional support to enhance recovery and overall quality of life.
Welcome to the second episode of VJHemOnc’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month special series!
Today’s episode focuses on the psychosocial impacts of living with blood cancer. First, you will hear from Lorna Warwick, BA, Lymphoma Coalition, Toronto, Canada, who shares the work of the Lymphoma Coalition Global Patient Survey. Next, you will hear insights from Surabhi Chaturvedi, MBACP, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, who is a senior psychotherapist in hematological oncology. Finally, Charlie Craddock, CBE, FRCP, FRCPath, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, will discuss the psychosocial impacts of transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).