Integrating the psychosocial perspective in oncology is warranted. The perceived utility and feasibility of the CLiC were evaluated in a preliminary sample of 30 patients who were candidates to undergo a radical cystectomy at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
Patients reported a very high satisfaction with the interview, because it prepared them for their upcoming surgery by gathering more information about their clinical pathway and allowed them to discover the information they still needed. Knowing the future consequences and adjusting toward the disease could be paramount for patients in facing uncertainty and they might feel that creating a relationship with physicians could be a secondary issue.
However, our data show that a structured psychological intervention such as the CLiC interview can collect important information for patients and healthcare professionals to develop real patient-centred care. Keywords: health psychology, patient-centred care, psycho-oncology, psychological intervention, liaison psychology. Correspondence to: Serena Oliveri Email: serena.
Publication costs for this article were supported by e cancer UK Charity number The burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment is sometimes worsened by financial needs, the difficulty in finding living solutions to have easier access to the hospital, communication problems with physicians and other practical obstacles that might have a psychological impact [ 6 — 8 ]. Patients experience difficulties in openly facing this type of issue, and can refuse psychological support sessions creating barriers to communication with the medical team and to compliance with cancer treatments [ 9 ].
Sexuality issues, in particular, are considered sensitive and taboo in the healthcare context [ 10 ], although patients usually suffer negative consequences caused by the disease relating to intimacy with the partner [ 11 — 13 ]. Many comprehensive care programmes, evaluated in structured trials, are reported to be successful [ 6 , 14 ].
