Psychosocial Challenges Research Articles

A Qualitative Exploration of Psychosocial Support Strategies for Reducing Psychological Distress among Clients Attending an Assisted Reproductive Center in South-West Nigeria

Clients undergoing infertility treatment usually face a multitude of psychosocial challenges as well as the stigma associated with childlessness. In order to alleviate these issues, psychosocial support strategies are put in place. The strategies target emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs, with studies confirming the importance of psychosocial support in assisted reproductive technology management. This study explored psychosocial support strategies for reducing psychological distress among clients attending an assisted reproductive center in South West, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 participants who met the inclusion criteria. In-depth interview was conducted to gather qualitative data which was analyzed using themes and subthemes. The themes identified are: family support, spiritual support, avoidance strategies and professionalism of healthcare workers. It was therefore concluded that psychosocial support strategies are necessary to reduce the psychological distress that usually accompanies infertility and assisted reproductive technology. It may also improve the outcome of the treatment.

Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Report

Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the aberrant development of ectodermal structures, presenting complex dental, dermatological, and psychological challenges. This case report focuses on a 7-year-old male with ED, delving into his prenatal, natal, and postnatal history, medical and dental records, clinical examination findings, and the subsequent treatment plan. The patient exhibited classical ED features, including missing teeth, dry and fragile skin, prominent lips, cranial abnormalities, reduced facial height, and an enlarged tongue. A multidisciplinary team approach was pivotal in addressing the intricate dental complications associated with ED. Preventive measures such as meticulous oral hygiene, periodic high-fluoride applications, and resin-modified glass ionomer fissure sealants were administered. Prosthodontic interventions were designed to restore function and aesthetics, including upper partial denture and lower overdenture. This case underscores the significance of early and comprehensive dental intervention in ED patients, emphasizing the vital roles played by pediatrics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, surgery, and periodontics in achieving favorable outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights the psychosocial challenges faced by ED individuals, emphasizing the need for holistic care and support.

Exploratory Study On Psychosocial Influences of Spinal Cord Injury to Patients: Basis for Medical Social Work Intervention Plan

This study investigates the psychosocial influences of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) on patients at the Philippine Orthopedic Center Hospital, analyzing their social functioning and proposing targeted interventions for reintegration. Employing a concurrent triangulation research design, quantitative data were collected through surveys, and qualitative insights were derived from interviews. The findings illuminate significant psychosocial challenges faced by SCI patients, affecting various aspects of their lives, including relationships, family dynamics, work, friendships, parenting, education, and self-care. Demographic profiles revealed nuanced variations in psychosocial functioning, emphasizing the necessity of tailored interventions based on age, marital status, gender, education, and occupation. The triangulation of data led to the identification of four prominent themes: "Resilient Navigation of Intimacy and Connection," "Family Dynamics and Care Challenges," "Occupational Hurdles and Work Engagement," and "Social and Community Integration Obstacles." The study proposes a holistic intervention plan, encompassing emotional support, the establishment of support networks, vocational rehabilitation, the promotion of community engagement, and sustained collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Developing “The Health After Cancer Podcast” to amplify cancer survivors’ voices through digital storytelling

BackgroundCancer survivors experience complex medical and psychosocial challenges after a cancer diagnosis, leading to unmet informational and emotional needs. There is a paucity of cancer survivorship educational resources co-created by survivors and medical professionals. ObjectiveOur aim was to create an educational resource for cancer survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals that would leverage digital storytelling to address survivorship topics. Patient involvementOur content and production team included cancer survivors, clinicians, educators, and design experts. All content was co-created by cancer survivors and medical experts. MethodsWe conducted an environmental scan of existing cancer survivorship educational resources in academic and public domains. Applying human-centered design principles, we incorporated patient perspectives through advisory board meetings and focus groups and identified a podcast as the preferred medium. We selected content and speakers, produced the podcast, and developed a corresponding website. ResultsBased on patient recommendations, podcast episodes address mental health, fear of cancer recurrence, relationships, parenting, relating to a new body, care transitions for adult survivors of childhood cancer, disclosing health information, and financial burden of cancer. Podcast guests were invited based on lived or learned experience in these domains. Thirteen guests (survivors, experts) and four hosts (two cancer survivors, two oncologists) co-created 15 podcast episodes. Podcast guests found the storytelling experience to be powerful and therapeutic. DiscussionDigital storytelling is a scalable and accessible educational tool for communicating complex survivorship concepts that can amplify survivors’ voices and increase awareness among survivors and clinicians. Co-creation of educational resources for cancer survivorship by survivors and professionals is a feasible and innovative educational strategy. Practical ValueA podcast created by and for cancer survivors in partnership with medical experts highlights opportunities for peer-to-peer digital storytelling to foster community among survivors and caregivers. FundingPodcast production was supported by the Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center.

'Psychosocial challenges in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery in Cyprus: Preliminary results from a nationwide study (BCan-Cy)'

'Psychosocial challenges in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery in Cyprus: Preliminary results from a nationwide study (BCan-Cy)'

Merging Humans and Neuroprosthetics through Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces.

Limb amputations can be devastating and significantly affect an individual's independence, leading to functional and psychosocial challenges in nearly 2 million people in the United States alone. Over the past decade, robotic devices driven by neural signals such as neuroprostheses have shown great potential to restore the lost function of limbs, allowing amputees to regain movement and sensation. However, current neuroprosthetic interfaces have challenges in both signal quality and long-term stability. To overcome these limitations and work toward creating bionic limbs, the Neuromuscular Laboratory at University of Michigan Plastic Surgery has developed the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI). This surgical construct embeds a transected peripheral nerve into a free muscle graft, effectively amplifying small peripheral nerve signals to provide enhanced control signals for a neuroprosthetic limb. Furthermore, the RPNI has the potential to provide sensory feedback to the user and facilitate neuroprosthesis embodiment. This review focuses on the animal studies and clinical trials of the RPNI to recapitulate the promising trajectory toward neurobionics where the boundary between an artificial device and the human body becomes indistinct. This paper also sheds light on the prospects of the improvement and dissemination of the RPNI technology.

Fathers’ mental health and coping strategies: a qualitative study in Mwanza, Tanzania

ObjectivesTo investigate the nature of paternal mental health problems, their causes and the coping strategies used by fathers of young children under the age of 2 years.Design and settingWe conducted...

Abstract TP11: Familial Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Impact of Lesion Number and Size on Functional Status and Quality of Life

Introduction: Individuals with familial cerebral cavernous malformation (FCCM) syndrome may experience a wide variety of psychosocial challenges beyond the known neurologic sequelae of headache, seizure, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Little is known about how number and size of CCMs correlate with overall function and quality of life. This study aims to better characterize the impact of CCM burden on function and quality of life using a standardized metric. Methods: Patients with FCCM from four institutions were included for analysis. Functional status and quality of life were measured using the Neuro-QoL (available at www.NIHToolbox.org). Lesions were manually counted on brain MRI at time of enrollment; lesions ≥5mm were considered large lesions. Log-squared residuals were determined for each subject to adjust lesion count based on age and sex. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess association between adjusted number of lesions and Neuro-QoL scores. Results: 96 patients with FCCM were included from four organizations. FCCM genetic subtype was known in 59/96 (61%) of cases (CCM1: n= 53; CCM2: n=4; CCM3: n=2); the remainder were diagnosed based on clinical criteria. Median mRS was 1; 41% had experienced intracerebral hemorrhage. Increased number of lesions was associated with higher emotional dysregulation (p=0.045) and less positive affect (p=0.022). Increased number of large lesions was associated with increased stigma (p=0.033) and decreased social participation (p=0.041) and social satisfaction (p=0.031). Anxiety, depression, upper and lower extremity function, and cognition showed no significant association with number of lesions regardless of size. Conclusions: This study highlights that mood may be associated with number of CCM lesions and social participation may be associated with number of large lesions. Motor function and diagnoses of anxiety and depression showed no significant association with CCM burden. As treatments emerge for individuals with FCCM, metrics such as the Neuro-QoL allow for standardized measurement of impacts of treatments on patient-centric outcomes such as function and quality of life.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) COMMUNITY PREFERENCES FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT: THE ROLE AND SCOPE OF PEER SUPPORT FOR YOUTH WITH IBD

Abstract INTRODUCTION Youth with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) experience psychosocial challenges which can negatively impact their body image, self-efficacy, IBD symptoms, and risk of disease recurrence. Peer support programs have high desirability amongst IBD patients and can improve disease management skills, self-efficacy, and mental health generally. Existing peer support programs vary, ranging from one-on-one peer coaching to professionally-led support groups to IBD summer camps. However, there is limited research identifying best practices for peer support in IBD. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a framework that centers patient voices in all phases of research, providing an opportunity to equitably represent patient preferences in the development of peer support programs. METHODS Our mixed-methods community survey was disseminated across the US to adults eighteen or older with IBD via patient organizations. This survey assessed patient preferences for a peer support program, including structure (e.g., support group, 1:1 mentor, group activities) and program topics (e.g., body image, social life, medical care). Participants ranked these on a 5-point Likert scale (from “Not at all important” to “Extremely important”) and also had an open-ended opportunity to provide other topic suggestions. Given our CBPR approach, we recruited a Patient Advisory Board (PAB), composed of adults diagnosed with IBD in childhood, and conducted one-on-one interviews to assess patient perspectives of the survey results. RESULTS Our sample included 77 participants (mean age 29, 39.5% with ulcerative colitis, 60.5% with Crohn’s disease). Participants ranked doing non-IBD activities (e.g., games, meals) as quite a bit important, while IBD activities (e.g., IBD comic book) were ranked moderately important. PAB members emphasized that the strength of a patient-led support program is the shared experience and “normalcy” of having IBD, and that limiting a program to IBD activities wouldn’t allow for spontaneous conversation and trust-building. The average ranking of all topics surveyed fell between “extremely important” to “quite a bit important.” In order of importance, topics included navigating social life and mental health, increasing independence while growing older, planning for the future, communicating with the healthcare team, disclosure to friends, navigating school, body image, medical management, and nutrition. Themes suggested by participants included sexual intimacy, fertility, and advocacy. PAB members emphasized the role of peer support interventions as complementary to medical care, and specifically, how peer mentorship can allow for ‘real world’ examples of navigating life with IBD, outside traditional topics discussed in medical appointments. We will use this mixed-methods data to inform our design of a novel IBD peer support program.

Adolescents on an inpatient unit and their healthcare providers: what's working and what's not.

Adolescents admitted to hospital can face unique medical and psychosocial challenges, and may be treated by healthcare providers who do not recognize or adequately address these needs. Our goal was to better understand the experiences of both patients and providers at a local level. We designed a cross-sectional survey-based study of two participant groups: (1) adolescent patients (aged 10-19) admitted to general medical wards at a tertiary pediatric hospital and (2) pediatric healthcare providers representing multiple disciplines. A total of 65 individuals participated: 25 adolescents (mean age 14.6; range 11-17) and 40 multidisciplinary healthcare providers. Most adolescents reported being treated respectfully (88 %) and taken seriously (92 %) by their providers. Several identified structure and routine, a break from daily stressors, and quality time with loved ones as positive aspects to hospitalization, while the use of correct gender pronouns, privacy, and age-appropriate leisure activities were cited areas for improvement. The majority of providers reported enjoying caring for adolescents (82 %) and forging therapeutic connections with them (87 %). Several areas of discomfort were noted, including gender and sexuality, substance use, and suicidality. Identified care gaps included inadequate training/education, suboptimal ward environments, and lack of community resources. Hospitals should recognize adolescent patients' needs for privacy, youth-centered communication, and developmentally-appropriate spaces. Pediatric healthcare professionals generally enjoy providing care to adolescents in the in-patient setting, however, often have insufficient training in addressing adolescent-specific health and psychosocial issues.

Psychosocial Experiences of Indonesian Performing Musicians In Building a Sustainable Career

This study explores the challenges and strategies of Indonesian musicians in establishing sustainable careers from psychosocial experiences. The study utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) on six professional musicians with over ten years of experience. The findings reveal the importance of adaptation, personal growth, maintaining passion, and creativity. The study concludes that happiness, health, and productivity are crucial for career sustainability, emphasizing the interrelation of personal identity, social support, and career dynamics in the music industry. The research highlights the need for musicians to navigate psychosocial challenges effectively to build long-term, fulfilling careers.

Back to the Future: How Master of Social Work Students Adjusted to Returning to In-Person Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic impacted social work students accustomed to in-person learning, forcing a shift to remote education. During fall 2021 and spring 2022, they faced a return to physical classrooms. Few studies have explored the effects of reverting to in-person classes amidst the pandemic. This exploratory study surveyed 135 Master of Social Work students in the U.S. tri-state area, focusing on the emotional and cognitive impacts of transitioning back to in-person learning after at least one semester online. Findings indicate that students prefer choosing their study mode, need emotional preparation for in-person learning, and face multiple psychosocial challenges impacting their education. The study suggests that educational institutions should offer flexible learning options and enhance emotional support to support students’ education.

NASAL RECONSTRUCTION AFTER MOHS SURGERY: MANAGEMENT OF DEFECTS ACCCORDING TO ANATOMICAL UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

Objectives: Skin cancer frequently affects the nose, particularly in sun-exposed areas such as the ala, apex, root, and bridge. Even minor nasal lesions can pose aesthetic and psychosocial challenges for patients, necessitating nasal reconstruction tailored to anatomical units and defect size. The primary goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore the original shape, emphasizing three-dimensional space, symmetry, color, and compatibility with surrounding tissue structures. Despite numerous options for post-cancer surgery reconstruction, establishing a gold standard for nasal defect management remains elusive. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 41 patients following Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma. Defects are approached based on rhinoplasty principles, considering anatomical units, defect size, and location to select appropriate reconstruction methods. Results: Among the patients, 17 (41.5%) had nasal alar defects, 5 (12.2%) had nasal apex defects, 4 (9.8%) had nasal root defects, 7 (17.1%) had nasal bridge defects, and 9 (22%) had complex defects involving multiple anatomical units. Patients with nasal alar defects <1.5cm underwent reconstruction using the nasolabial flap, while those with larger defects (>1.5cm) underwent forehead flap reconstruction, including auricular cartilage grafts for nasal alar defects. Complex lesions (22%) were reconstructed using a combination of forehead flap and rotation or V-Y flap. Nasal root defects (7.3%) were reconstructed using the glabellar flap. Conclusion: Nasal reconstruction, employing local or regional flaps, consistently yields positive functional and aesthetic outcomes due to the similarity in color and skin flap thickness with adjacent structures. The forehead flap, with its constant blood supply, vitality, and versatile design, is particularly effective for complex nasal lesions. Received 29 June 2023Revised 27 September 2023Accepted 29 November 2023

‘I live it all together…sadness, desperation’: A qualitative exploration of psychosocial challenges and needs of young people after suicide attempt

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges and support needs of young people after suicide attempt. In the research, the phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were held with 16 young people shortly after suicide attempt. Data were analysed via content analysis. The data were categorized into five themes: effort to return to the old normal, living with remains, need for support, barriers to seeking help, and awareness. Understanding the psychological challenges and support needs of young people who have attempted suicide will facilitate future research and practice. To support young people in the acute period following the intervention, supportive interventions at the individual, social and political levels need to be established. These findings shed light into the structuring of supportive interventions to be applied to young people following a suicide attempt.

Development of A Suicide Prevention Training Module for Social Work Students in India.

Social workers constitute a significant task force that serves diverse populations experiencing psychosocial challenges in their daily lives. Lack of suicide prevention content/training in the Master of Social Work program may affect the student's self-esteem/ability to intervene when they come across a person with suicidality in the field. Developing a suicide prevention training module for social work students would be a suitable measure for upbringing their skills in dealing with individuals with suicidality. The purpose of the present study was to develop a suicide prevention training module for social work students at the postgraduate level. The researcher conducted two Focused Group Discussions (FGD) each with social work students (n = 13) and social work educators (n = 15) on an online platform. Notes were taken during the discussion, and the contents were videotaped. The videotaped content was transcribed, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. The content that emerged from the FGD with social work students and educators was discussed in later FGD with mental health experts (two psychiatrists, one psychologist, two psychiatric social workers, and two mental health nurses). The discussion with experts clarified what components to retain for the training program. Five major themes and 22 sub-themes emerged from the two FGDs each with students and educators, and one FGD with mental health professionals are described. The five major themes were understanding of suicidality, understanding suicide education in the master of social work curriculum, experience with suicidality, training content suggestion, and suggestions for future implications. The present study identified the need for suicide prevention training in postgraduate-level social work students. Furthermore, a lack of suicide prevention training was observed indicating the incorporation of suicide education in the postgraduate curriculum.

Protocol for evaluation of the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a targeted transition readiness workshop intervention for pediatric brain tumor survivors

BackgroundPediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment. Routine follow-up care as adults is therefore essential to their long-term health and quality of life. In order to successfully navigate to adult healthcare, it is recommended that youth develop transition readiness skills. Existing transition readiness interventions often focus on disease management. However, PBTS are also at risk of social competence and cognitive functioning challenges. In this paper, we describe the protocol of this pilot study and the methodology that will be used for the evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy testing of the first targeted transition intervention workshops specifically designed to meet the needs of PBTS and their caregivers.MethodsThis study will use a mixed method to evaluate three 1 ½-h workshops targeted for dyads (N = 40) of PBTS (14 years or older) and their parents. Dyads will be recruited via a community pediatric cancer organization and the long-term follow-up clinic of a large pediatric hospital. Participants will complete an online survey which includes the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) before and after the workshops.Each workshop will cover a specific topic related to PBTS transition readiness: disease management, social competence, and cognitive functioning. Workshops will follow the same structure: topic presentation, discussion by a post-transfer survivor or parent, teaching two strategies, and workshop evaluation. Workshops will be co-led by healthcare specialists and patient partners.Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, attendance, retention, and Likert scales, and they will be analyzed by describing and comparing rates. Satisfaction will be measured using satisfaction surveys and audio-recorded focus groups. Qualitative data will be described through thematic content analysis. In order to test the preliminary efficacy of this study, we will compare transition readiness skills pre- and post-workshops using paired samples T test and ANCOVA to examine the impact of workshop on TRAQ skills.DiscussionResults of the study will inform refinement and future broader implementation of targeted transition readiness workshops for the specific needs of pediatric brain tumor survivors.

A Qualitative Study on Psychosocial Challenges of Patients With Cancer in Ethiopia Using the Social-Ecological Model.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be physically arduous, disrupting patients' social and work lives. Understanding the extent of these problems is key to addressing patients' needs, but specific psychosocial challenges have not yet been well studied in resource-limited settings. A qualitative study was conducted in the capital and two regions of Ethiopia with the aim of exploring psychosocial challenges among cancer patients. A total of 14 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 16 focus group discussions (FGDs) were done with cancer patients, health professionals, community representatives, and religious leaders. Four separate interview guides were used to facilitate the interviews and discussions. All transcribed documents, field notes, and reflexive memos were entered into NVivo 12 software, and deductive thematic analysis using the social-ecological model was applied to summarize the main findings. At an individual level, emotional distress, suicidal risk, denial, and refusal of treatment were identified immediately after diagnosis while hopelessness, feeling depressed, and fear of death were commonly reported psychosocial challenges during the course of treatment. Involvement of family members in major treatment decisions was recognized at an interpersonal level. Our result also revealed that cancer patients had strong social support from family members and close friends. In the community, traditional medicine and religious rituals were considered an alternative treatment for cancer. The findings indicate that counselling and psychoeducation are crucial for cancer patients, family members, and close friends. Awareness creation programmes should be delivered through collaboration with religious leaders and traditional healers.

Standards for the care of people with cystic fibrosis (CF); recognising and addressing CF health issues

This is the third in a series of four papers updating the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) standards for the care of people with CF. This paper focuses on recognising and addressing CF health issues. The guidance was produced with wide stakeholder engagement, including people from the CF community, using an evidence-based framework. Authors contributed sections, and summary statements which were reviewed by a Delphi consultation.Monitoring and treating airway infection, inflammation and pulmonary exacerbations remains important, despite the widespread availability of CFTR modulators and their accompanying health improvements. Extrapulmonary CF-specific health issues persist, such as diabetes, liver disease, bone disease, stones and other renal issues, and intestinal obstruction. These health issues require multidisciplinary care with input from the relevant specialists. Cancer is more common in people with CF compared to the general population, and requires regular screening. The CF life journey requires mental and emotional adaptation to psychosocial and physical challenges, with support from the CF team and the CF psychologist. This is particularly important when life gets challenging, with disease progression requiring increased treatments, breathing support and potentially transplantation. Planning for end of life remains a necessary aspect of care and should be discussed openly, honestly, with sensitivity and compassion for the person with CF and their family.CF teams should proactively recognise and address CF-specific health issues, and support mental and emotional wellbeing while accompanying people with CF and their families on their life journey.

The Main Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes for Cognitive Dysfunction, Depression, and Psychosocial Problems: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors that lead to cognitive impairment, depression, and psychosocial problems in type 2 diabetes and discern what aspects they have in common. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment, including dementia, which in turn increases the risk of hospitalization, falls, and premature mortality. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to achieve this goal, including searches on electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO Discovery, EBSCO host, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, from 2016 onwards. Additionally, we carried out manual searches in leading journals in the field. After evaluating and analyzing the articles, 60 remained, focusing on the following four main themes: disorders due to biological, psychological, social, and pharmacological causes that lead to neuropsychological complications. Based on the results, consistently analogous risk factors contributing to the onset of cognitive impairments, depression, and psychosocial predicaments encompass comorbid ailments, dysglycemia, gender, heightened levels of apprehension and anxiety, educational attainment, socio-economic standing, and pharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, in the realm of type 2 diabetes, factors such as disease duration, adiposity, specifically overweight and obesity, and advancing age were also identified as significant contributors to cognitive impairments and depression. Concomitantly, the absence of a robust support system and social network emerged as a shared risk factor, predisposing individuals to psychosocial challenges and depressive states. These findings emphasize that the risk factors for cognitive impairments, depression, and psychosocial issues for type 2 diabetes are similar, highlighting the importance of psychosocial support, education, and patient-centered treatment to optimize outcomes and quality of life.

Talking about Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk-Evaluation of a Psychosocial Training Module for Gynecologists in Germany.

Primary care gynecologists are increasingly integrated into the care of patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risks. These physicians should not only have basic genetic knowledge; they should also feel able to sensitively address an increased HBOC risk and deal with emotional, stressful situations in this context. Our project aimed at developing a training module, 'iKNOWgynetics', addressing psychosocial challenges in the context of HBOC care for primary care gynecologists. We developed the psychosocial training module in three phases: first, we conducted an online survey with n = 35 women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to assess patients' experiences and needs. Second, based on the results of the needs assessment, we developed the training module. Third, we evaluated the training by assessing physicians' (n = 109) self-efficacy with regard to communication skills in the context of HBOC before and after the training. In the needs assessment, seven psychosocial themes emerged. These themes, complementing a review of the literature, informed the training curriculum. The training was divided into two parts: (1) communicating with women before genetic testing and (2) care co-management for women with HBOC after genetic testing. After the training, participants reported a significant increase in self-efficacy in three domains: communicating empathetically, educating patients in a comprehensible way and dealing with emotionally challenging situations. Our results highlight the relevance of psychosocial issues for patients with HBOC. A genetic literacy training module that integrates aspects of psychosocial care increases physicians' confidence in dealing with emotionally challenging situations before and after their patients' genetic testing. Thus, such trainings may improve the care of women with hereditary cancer risks.