Sensitizing radiation therapists to the psychological needs of cancer patients.

Radiation therapists are trained to focus on physiological and medical aspects of administering radiation therapy to cancer patients. They often ignore patients' psychological needs because they are inadequately prepared to understand and intervene in this area of patient care. We sought to remedy this educational gap by using a generic crisis-intervention training program as a method of sensitizing radiation therapists to the emotional and psychological concerns and problems of patients undergoing radiation therapy. After the training, radiation therapists were cognizant of the presence and effects of the special dependency needs of severely ill patients. Training helped them respond more empathically, to establish better rapport with their patients, and to provide more holistic and effective medical management as an integral part of radiation therapy. This included greater ease in knowing how, when, and where to make psychological referrals. A case vignette illustrates the usefulness and application of enhanced psychological awareness and interviewing skills learned by the physicians.