Abstract:
Aims and Objectives: The study evaluated the psycho-oncology parameters, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and bereavement (nick-named DABDAB) and others. This study investigated whether or not there is a need to employ (full-time or visiting) psycho-oncology expertise in a tertiary Indian anti-cancer care facility. Psycho-oncology expertise, in general, is lacking in current Indian Scenario.
Materials and Methods: A total of 300 serial cancer clients (126 females & 174 males) admitted between March 2024 and Sept 2024 were evaluated at presentation using questionnaire method as well as direct in-person interview. All patients were assessed for DABDAB parameters and at the same time were given Gupta GLITTER cognitive therapy. Each patient had a minimum of 8 visits and up to 12. The study validated “Gupta Total Wellness Questionnaire Sheet” that inquired about physical, mental, social, spiritual, and economical parameters in relation to DABDAB.
Results: The study revealed that majority (78%) cancer clients at presentation were in need of psycho-oncology care, especially psychology counseling. The study categorized the patient into 7 categories, including DABDAB and others. The patterns of psycho-oncological scenario at presentation was denial (46.1%), anger (37.5%), bargaining (33.5%), depression (53.2%), acceptance (38.4%), bereavement (2.03 %) and others (Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s) (1.02%). Only a minority of clients were in need of expert psychiatrist consultation. The gender based analysis revealed females to have denial (24.5%), Anger(18.4%), Bargaining (16.3%), Depression (22.4%), Acceptance (19.3%), Bereavement (1.02%) whereas in males parameters were denial (21.9%), Anger(19.5%), Bargaining(17.2%), Depression(21.9%), Acceptance(21.1%), Bereavement(0.8%). The overall results suggest that the stage of acceptance is more prevalent among male patients (20%), whereas female patients revealed higher occurrence in denial (25%) depression (20%) and bereavement (1%).
Conclusion: Evaluating the psycho-oncology patterns of inpatients at presentations in a tertiary anti-cancer care canter in Northern India suggest that engaging a full-time psycho-oncologist and a visiting psychiatrist is an optimal staffing. The result highlights the gender differences in DABDAB parameters that different genders should be treated with tailored psychological interventions.
Keywords: DABDAB, Psycho-oncology, Gupta GLITTER therapy, Staffing.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Cancer patients need screening at presentation for DABDAB parameters
- These visits are utilized currently for cognitive interventional whole body imagery technique called Gupta GLITTER therapy
- A busy tertiary cancer care facility shall employee a full time psycho-oncologist and a visiting psychiatrist
- One may use Gupta Total Wellness Sheet for evaluation of DABDAB parameters along with concurrent using the whole body imagery cognitive Gupta GLITTER therapy
- The intervention (DABDAB Assessment, Gupta Total Wellness Sheet, Gupta GLITTER therapy) can help a psycho-oncologist for day to day assessment and cognitive therapy of a cancer patient and their accompaniments
- This research can be used by other cancer care facility
- The study provides a solution to psycho-oncology issues and makes the Psycho-oncology job easier and efficient without involving any medical or monitory demand [Drug and Device free care]
- Our study yields a defined path, tool and technique to assist a psycho-oncologist for assessing and gathering structured as well as unstructured mental health information from the client and concurrently deliver a whole body imagery cognitive interventional therapy [Gupta GLITTER therapy]
