Burnout among physicians and nurses working in oncology.

Background: The phenomenon of Burnout is an important occupational problem which affects those working in the "helping professions" to a greater degree since they have continuous and constant contact with suffering patients.

Aims: We aimed to assess the Burnout level and its correlation with organizational stressors.

Methods: The aim was achieved through administration of a questionnaire, the organizational check-up survey (OCS) among 80 physicians and 102 nurses working in a cancer institute.

Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors.

Purpose: This study is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of a screening procedure for psychological distress in cancer survivors.

Methods: Consecutive series of 339 cancer patients from three centres were requested to fill in two questionnaires measuring psychological distress (PDI) and social support (MOSS). Psychological intervention was offered to patients with significant degree of distress.