A community-based approach to cancer counselling for patients and carers: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
The delivery of psychological care services to people with cancer and their carers is a key clinical priority that has yet to be broadly implemented. The present study aimed to provide guidance for service provision by describing a community-based intervention approach; outlining the characteristics, psychological concerns, and distress outcomes for people who utilise the service.


METHODS
Over a 3-year period 681 patients and 520 significant others referred from a community-based Cancer Helpline received tele-based psychosocial interventions.


RESULTS
In this case series presenting problems varied between patients and significant others, with significant others reporting higher levels of distress (p<0.001). Both patients and significant others experienced decreases in distress over the period of the intervention (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides level IV evidence that the tele-based intervention for cancer-related distress is an effective approach to service delivery. A randomised control trial is currently underway to assess the effectiveness of this approach.
Hutchison
Sandy D
SD
Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control, Cancer Council Queensland, Spring Hill QLD, Australia.
Sargeant
Hilary
H
Morris
Bronwyn A
BA
Hawkes
Anna Louise
AL
Clutton
Samantha
S
Chambers
Suzanne K
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011793:Queensland; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult