Summary
A cancer patients' discussion group on an inpatient oncology unit is designed to help patients, their families and staff find a useful balance between sharing difficulties and containing them adequately. The method for conducting the groups is to help participants find and share in their most vital common theme. The findings of the project are re-considered in terms of the microcosm of the group meeting, the influence of the group on ward life, and the influence of both group meetings and ward culture on oncological treatment results. The method for generating intense and clearly focused group discussions and the map of typical defensive processes are delineated. Typical effects on ward interaction are described. A series of empirical questions are proposed to sort out the proper dosage of group meetings and follow up individual conversations and the patients for whom these methods make the most difference.
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The Cancer Patients Group project was designed by Fred Coleman, M. D., Helen Whitman, R. N. and James Gustafson, M. D., and has been conducted over the past two years by Mrs. Whitman in consultation with Fred Coleman, M. D., Allan Kipperman, M. D., Roy Hankins, M. D., Rajesh Bhagat, M. D., Karin Ringler, M. A., and James Gustafson, M. D. We are grateful to Mrs. Ringler, Dr. Kipperman and Dr. Coleman for careful review and criticism of previous drafts. We are responsible for the final manuscript.
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Gustafson, J., Whitman, H. Towards a balanced social environment on the oncology service:. Soc Psychiatry 13, 147–152 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00579328
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00579328