Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Supporting the emotional needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer is a recognized priority for cancer clinicians and a core component of high quality care and survivorship programs. We hypothesized that mental health professionals would benefit from an educational program directed to enhance their practical knowledge of breast cancer. Methods: We designed an innovative educational forum for mental health professionals to broaden their practical knowledge regarding the physical and psychosocial effects of breast cancer. Diverse mental health professionals working in the Bay Area were invited. The day-long forum consisted of presentations and interactive discussion led by breast cancer physicians, mental health providers and patient advocates. An evaluation survey was administered at the end of the program. Descriptive statistics were performed of categorical results and open response items were aggregated. Results: Of 40 local pre-registrants, 18 mental health professionals (8 social workers, 6 psychologists, 3 other mental health professionals) attended. 88.2% of participants worked in a medical-based practice; 64.7% worked in an oncology-based practice. The majority of participants agreed the forum was relevant to their practice (82.3%), was well-organized (88.2%), would improve their care of patients (76.5%), and that they would recommend it to others (76.5%). The overall rating of the forum was positive (94.0%). Conclusion: The format and content of this forum represents a multidisciplinary educational model to enhance mental health professionals' understanding of breast cancer in order to better serve this unique patient population. Breast cancer clinicians, advocates and psychotherapists generated much enthusiasm and broad insights about meeting the psycho-emotional needs of breast cancer patients. This model can be replicated and extended to a national audience and to other cancer subpopulations. Citation Format: Yang R, Rabinowitz B, Frank M, Schapira L, Wapnir I. Bridging gaps in breast cancer care: A pilot forum for mental health professionals [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-04.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
