Psychological problems in cancer patients from a clinical as well as an economic perspective - PhDData

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Psychological problems in cancer patients from a clinical as well as an economic perspective

The thesis was published by van Beek, Florie Eline, in September 2022, VU University Amsterdam.

Abstract:

There is substantial evidence that psychological problems occur in cancer patients. More insight is needed on the course of psychological problems over time from diagnosis to long-term follow-up, especially among high risk cancer populations such as head and neck cancer patients. Compared to distress, anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence, evidence on the prevalence of adjustment disorder lags behind. Furthermore, previous studies suggest that psychological problems are associated with higher costs. However, detailed insight into economic consequences (e.g. healthcare use, informal care and work productivity) of psychological problems in cancer patients is still lacking. The main aim of this thesis is to provide insight in psychological problems among cancer patients from a clinical as well economic perspective. This thesis demonstrated that psychological problems in cancer patients are common and varies over time. Psychological problems were associated with several clinical and demographic factors. It was estimated that approximately two-third of patients with psychological problems accepts psychological treatment. Also, psychological problems were found to be associated with higher healthcare use and costs, delayed return to work, and more informal care use. The findings of this thesis indicate that reimbursement of psychological interventions for cancer patients with psychological problems have the potential to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, but also to reduce burden to the healthcare system by lowering healthcare and societal costs



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