A collaborative approach: Private practice adult medical oncology and psycho-oncology

The literature illustrates that a gap exists between the psychosocial needs of oncology patients and the services they are receiving. The purpose of this study was to explore the current practices and needs of the medical providers in private practice adult oncology clinics regarding psychosocial services for their patients. The study intended to serve as a preliminary step in the development of collaborative approaches between private practice adult medical oncology and psycho-oncology. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with five oncologists, four oncology nurse practitioners, and one oncology physician's assistant who work in adult private practice settings. A thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted. The common themes throughout the interviews, together with the literature reviewed, were synthesized in order to theorize about possible approaches to collaboration for private practice adult oncology clinics and psycho-oncology. This research suggested that important topics to consider for collaboration include finances, location of psychosocial services provided, communication, aspects of confidentiality, the role of a psychologist in an outpatient oncology setting, and skill requirements for a psychologist working in such a setting.