Physicians’ Emotions in the Cancer Setting: A Basic Guide to Improving Well-Being and Doctor–Patient Communication

Abstract

It is common knowledge that confronting death is quite anxiety-provoking. Continued exposure to suffering, physical and mental deterioration, disfigurement, loss and pain elicits significant emotions in medical staff working in the oncology setting. In addition, disease chronicity, which facilitates the development of intense doctor–patient relationships, complex medical decision-making, and unconscious attitudes towards helping interact with clinical pressure and other factors and may result in tiredness, emotional confusion, helplessness, and lack of empathy, all of which may interfere in the staff’s general sense of well-being as well as in their relationship with patients. Identifying and elaborating one’s feelings adequately in this context, taking into account personality traits, personal history, and intrapsychic variables, is of primary importance for oncology staff members in order to develop efficient communication skills with patients and their families.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide some insight into the importance and the need of a basic “self-analysis” that can lead to an increased sense of well-being, enhanced skills in dealing with cancer, and improved doctor–patient communication in the cancer setting. Suggestions are provided as to what staff members can ask themselves in order to identify deep emotions that stem from the interaction of their daily work and their personal lives. Guidelines and suggestions as to how to manage certain personal and patient issues are provided as well. The need to focus on the satisfactions derived from working in oncology is emphasized.