Philippa Croy

Citation

Thesis Title
An investigation of the outcomes of Psycho-oncology interventions

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Cancer can cause considerable distress, impacting significantly on a person’s quality of life, psychologically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and functionally. Although internationally, psychological interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing this impact, in New Zealand research on this topic is limited. Ms Croy found that the provision of psycho-oncology interventions by a New Zealand psycho-oncology service significantly reduced distress in patients and family members. It also significantly increased their levels of wellbeing and coping. She also examined clients’ perceptions of their cancer journey, and of the psycho-oncology service. Five factors were perceived by clients to be most beneficial. These included receiving individualised support, talking to someone who was not family, receiving expert/professional support, regaining a sense of control, and service availability and flexibility. In summary, interventions provided by Massey’s Psycho-Oncology Service had a significantly positive impact on patients’ and their families’ lives. These results are consistent with overseas studies.

Supervisors
Mrs Cheryl Woolley
Professor Janet Leathem
Dr Don Baken