The Role of the Psychooncology Team in the Multidisciplinary Team Management of Breast Cancer Patients - From Diagnosis to After Treatment: A Qualitative Study at MISR Cancer Center

Background: According to the cultural and socioeconomic factors, breast cancer patients (BCP) experienced a relatively low health-related quality of life (Qol) during the journey of breast cancer treatment, that influence patient adaptation to the situation from diagnosis to after treatment. And the further effect on either starting the treatment or its continuation. This merited conducting a qualitative study to explore the importance of the psychooncological approach to BCP and the impact on commencing and continuation of treatment and follow-up. Aim: To describe the impact and importance of the psychooncology team in the cancer center and the effect of their approach on the BCP's Qol. Methods: The study involved 114 interviewed participants, excluding patients with wide variety of chronic illnesses, only 91 patients are the focused study group. Of which 11 patients group (1) refused to join the psychooncological approach due to cultural, and socioeconomic issues, and 80 patients group (2) joined and followed up by the team. Both groups are regularly surveyed. Qualitative and quantitative measurements were used. Data were collected as follows, at time of diagnosis, after surgery and after chemo-radiation therapies from group (1) and for group (2) after the psychooncology team management and care. Developing the psychooncology team for the cancer center. 2 psychooncologists, 5 psychoeducating nurses and a group therapy sessions at a world standard levels of care with ethics committee approvals, and caring for patients' privacy. Close follow-up and evaluation of the performance and Qol of our BCP, raising the awareness about psychoeducation and psychological approach importance for BCP that would help them cope with daily life challenges to improve Qol. Results: Category Group N. Diagnosis related depression N. Surgery related depression N. Treatment related depression Free of depression Group (1) No= 11 3 (27%) 2 (18%) 5 (45%) 1 (10%) Group (2) No= 80 12 (15%) 9 (11.3%) 23 (28.7%) 36 (45%) Conclusion: Results indicate that the most critical depressing points is at time of diagnosis and chemo-radiation therapy. Group (2) has positive indication and alternation on the level of Qol and a significant improvement on level of depression when compared with group (1). This study highlighted the importance of psychooncology team in BCPs' survivorship. It also brings to attention the important role of the government, health policy makers and health plans toward enriching all cancer centers with the psychooncology team. To maximize health and health care for BCP.