The National Center for Cancer Care and Research’s (NCCCR) Psychotherapy Unit has developed a new culturally accepted, holistic, and comprehensive psychosocial oncology model for cancer patients.
Medical Director, NCCCR, Dr. Mohamed Salem Al Hassan, said, “We are pleased to adopt the comprehensive psychosocial oncology model of service delivery at NCCCR. We aim to ensure that every patient receives individualised high-quality care to help them overcome the many challenges brought on by cancer, and the new model provides services to promote the wellbeing of patients and their families.
“This is achieved through a multifaceted approach including a full range of comprehensive multidisciplinary psycho-oncology services to support the mental wellbeing of both the patients and their families. Thanks to the collaborative efforts with our colleagues in the Mental Health Service, this new model is another milestone to support the achievement of high-quality cancer care in Qatar as stated within the National Cancer Framework 2017 to 2022,” he added.
Cancer is a devastating disease causing significant psychosocial challenges among patients and their families. At several points in their treatment pathway, patients can find it hard to cope emotionally as they pass through very stressful events with significant implications on their lifestyle; interpersonal and family life; emotional and psychological profile; communication challenges; stress and adjustment; fears and other matters that affect their overall equilibrium.
“Mental health professionals working in NCCCR encounter a broad spectrum of patients and situations. This can be such a devastating disease with a very complex treatment journey. Patients and their families can be easily overwhelmed. Psychological treatment of patients with cancer allows practitioners to support both the patients and their families to help them cope with the initial diagnosis of cancer, reduce the impact of cancer related treatments, deal with changes in life circumstances and overcome any feelings of anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. This new model will support not only people whose lives may have been affected by cancer and those diagnosed with cancer, but it will also support their family members and loved ones,” said Chairman of Psychiatry and Medical Director of HMC’s Mental Health Service, Dr. Majid Al Abdullah. A dedicated team will be formed to provide psychosocial interventions in addition to individual, group and couples therapy.
“Our team is here to help patients and their families deal with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and its treatment. Whilst everyone may struggle at different times in their cancer care, we can address the full range and severity of psychological issues associated with cancer throughout their treatment journey at NCCCR. Our experienced team has an excellent understanding of the specific challenges that cancers, symptoms and treatments can bring, and is skilled at exploring the unique impact that adjusting to these can have on patients and their loved ones,” said Dr. Abdelhamid Afana, Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapy Consultant and Trauma Specialist at NCCCR.