•  
  •  
 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychobehavioral is an all encompassing term for psychological and behavioral factors that are major determinants of the widely accepted biopsychobehavioral or multidimensional concept of diseases such as cancer. AIM OF STUDY: To identify psychobehavioral issues affecting patients with a diagnosis of a spinal column or cord tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the keywords “cancer communication,” “psychobehavioral care,” and “spine cancer patient,” a review of literature was performed on Medline, and PsycInfo, a database of the psychology and psychiatry literature in the United States. The relevant articles were reviewed; in addition, relevant references from selected articles were searched. The Spine Oncology Study Group (SOSG),                   an international group of spine oncology specialists, identified key questions to be addressed in              the course of the systematic review of the literature. The key questions were answered using literature review and expert opinion. Research questions: Who are the allied health care professionals necessary for the comprehensive care of the spine tumor patient? Does compassionate communication (in giving life altering information) affect outcome? What tools can be used in communication with the spine tumor patient? RESULTS:  Systematic review yielded 120 articles addressing communication in cancer patients. Those articles specifically addressed the 2 questions of interest in the spine tumor patient population.                            The literature search identified quality evidence; 2 randomized controlled studies were identified. Although neither specifically pertained to the spine tumor patient population, these articles were reviewed and graded as low-quality evidence. CONCLUSION:  A multidisciplinary group of allied health care professionals is a necessary prerequisite for                      the effective psychobehavioral care of the spine tumor patient. Compassionate communication, in the form of group sessions, telephone support groups, or internet based groups, can alleviate                 the psychobehavioral discomfort experienced by spine tumor patients.  

DOI

10.52573/ipmj.2021.177179

Download

Share

COinS