PSYCHOONCOLOGICAL CARE IN A COMMUNITY-HOSPITAL - THE MODEL OF HERFORD

Following successful implementation of psychooncological support in a community hospital the focus has now been shifted to build up support for outpatients. This concentrates on cancer patients and their relati ves during and following ambulatory cancer therapy. It is important to integrate these new structures into the preexisting support structure s (self-help groups and counselling centres). Experiences of recent ye ars have shown that information and psychosocial support should also b e given to families and friends of cancer patients as well as to the i nvolved clinical staff. Outpatient groups have been und will be offere d in the psychooncological aftercare. Relaxation, imagination and crea tive therapy help to cope with the disease and enable a health-promoti ng life style.