Psycho-oncology
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The aim of this paper was to describe lung cancer patients' experience of dyspnea and their strategies for managing the dyspnea. ⋯ Dyspnea experience is a complex experience which influences the life of the patients both with immediate reactions and long-term reactions concerning physical, emotional and existential issues in life and patients address this experience with managing strategies in order to take control of their situation, although they do not seem to be able to meet the existential distress they experience.
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We undertook a pilot study to evaluate and potentially reduce the level of burnout in the operators of two oncology centers. The study included 65 doctors and nurses of an adult (Group A) and a pediatric oncology unit (Group B). We used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to estimate the level of burnout obtained in three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, distancing (cognitive and emotional) and reduced personal achievement. ⋯ Comparing the responses from Group B participants before and after the intervention indicated a statistically significant decreased level of burnout. In conclusion, burnout syndrome exists among oncology unit personnel and can be effectively treated with art therapies. Attention devoted to this aspect is required in order to improve the workers' well-being, thus enhancing attention and dedication to patients.
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Comparative Study
Psychiatric morbidity and its screening in Turkish women with breast cancer: a comparison between the HADS and SCID tests.
Adjustment disorders (ADs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are often the most prevalent psychiatric disorders among cancer patients. This study's objective was to determine the overall performance of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument in identifying cases of psychiatric morbidity such as ADs and MDD. ⋯ Compared with SCID, HADS was found to have acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in detecting psychiatric morbidity especially for MDD and HADS can be recommended with reservations as a screening tool for breast cancer patients.