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G J Hurt

Publications and source records attributed to G J Hurt.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Risk assessment of first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To measure psychological distress and test the feasibility of a psychological intervention to reduce distress in patients undergoing risk assessment. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: A comprehensive cancer center located in the southeastern United States. SAMPLE: 20 first-degree relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer (X age = 42; range = 21-70) completed the risk assessment process. Three were lost to follow-up at three months, leaving a total of 17 evaluable patients. METHODS: Data collection was by means of family/medical history forms and questionnaires administered at baseline and one and three months. Participants were randomized to either a control group consisting of standard education about risk for breast cancer or to an intervention group consisting of standard education plus a psychological intervention designed to teach stress-management skills. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Psychological distress, depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts about breast cancer, and perceived risk for developing breast cancer. FINDINGS: Delivery of a psychological intervention proved feasible. Although no statistically significant differences existed between the intervention and control groups on distress and depressive symptoms, the intervention group reported fewer intrusive thoughts about breast cancer at follow-up. Risk did not predict anxiety levels. A large majority (73%) of the women overestimated the risk of breast cancer at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a multidisciplinary team approach to breast cancer risk assessment and counseling and management of psychological distress in first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer. The data suggest that a psychological intervention may reduce cancer-specific psychological distress in women at increased risk for breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses can play an important role in the delivery of interventions to educate and reduce distress in women undergoing breast cancer risk assessment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

The psychosocial impact of the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal cancer.

The diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal cancer involves psychosocial stress for most patients because the disease can be life threatening and treatment is potentially disfiguring. Loss of voice, appearance changes, and functional limitations all pose threats to self image and identity. Since voice is essential to psychological identity, laryngectomy may pose significant short- and long-term adjustment problems. Risk for psychological disturbance and problems at the initiation of treatment and adaptation following treatment can be predicted based on certain patient information. The integration of a multidisciplinary team at the outset of treatment planning is crucial in helping patients adjust to the impact of laryngeal cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

After treatment ends: neutral time.

For persons diagnosed with cancer, the remission period may be marked by increased anxiety and distress. While the medical team may view remission as an eagerly anticipated milestone, the decreased medical surveillance during this time can cause a heightened fear of recurrence for the patient. One author has called this period of remission "neutral time," a time characterized by uncertainty. The safety signal hypothesis, developed by Martin Seligman, may help to explain the anxiety experienced by some patients during the remission period. Because cancer is frequently a silent disease with no overt symptoms, patients in remission often have no safety signal to indicate that the disease will not return. A case study is presented and discussed in light of these two concepts.

Anxiety↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychosocial care of the patient with cancer. A model for organizing services.

PURPOSE: Although the need and demand for psychosocial oncology services among patients with cancer is likely to grow, access to psychosocial services varies widely within treatment settings. Surveys and observations by clinicians indicate that these services are inadequate at most sites. There are many obstacles to service organization in this patient population. This article describes a model for delivering integrated psychosocial care that has applicability in cancer centers and other settings. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: Psychosocial oncology services in the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University have been systematically organized into two program components: the Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) and the Psychosocial Oncology Program. These programs are unique in offering psychosocial support and counseling services that are integrated into the medical care of patients. The CPSP provides services through clinical staff members, core volunteers, and doctoral- and master's-level counseling students. The type of social support provided includes emotional support, help with tasks, informational support, and companionship support. The Psychosocial Oncology Program provides psychological assessment and counseling for patients and family members suffering from more intense psychological disturbance. A doctoral-level licensed practicing psychologist and a part-time master's-prepared counselor, both with responsibilities in the CPSP as well, make up the staff. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The key element in any psychosocial oncology program is the healing relationships formed when one person cares for another. In the psychosocial oncology service structure described, patients with cancer and their families have the opportunity to be served on two different levels, depending on the intensity of the psychological disturbance. The time has come for psychosocial services to be offered in all treatment settings. The psychosocial oncology programs described here can be replicated in most cancer centers.

Counseling↗