Interface between research and practice in psycho-oncology

Abstract

Examination of the interface between research and practice in any field inevitably raises questions over whether the most important issues are addressed by researchers, or indeed whether the findings of studies have sufficient relevance to practice. As a field of study develops its own research methods and language, a chasm often opens between the producers of research findings and the consumers. Psychosocial oncology is no different. Early work which highlighted the psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis, and how health professionals helped or hindered coping with the disease, was ground breaking, and highly relevant to the way cancer services subsequently developed. However, as psychosocial oncology has evolved into an established research discipline, it has become increasingly oriented around measurement (e.g., quality of life, psychopathology, communication skills). The paradox here is that the more reliable psychosocial measures become, the less direct relevance they appear to have for everyday practice in cancer treatment centres. Solutions to this problem could be found through reintegrating psychological and physical aspects of cancer; by changing the orientation of research from measurement of the disruption imposed by cancer and its treatment, to evaluations of more clinically relevant models of care; and by using collaborative models of research in studies in order to promote closer involvement of health professionals and people who have cancer.