Annie Hubert

Patient information about radiation therapy: a survey in Europe

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We performed a survey to evaluate the present status and means of information given to patients treated by radiotherapy. A short questionnaire was sent, with the help of ESTRO, to 746 European heads of department with a request to send specific documents used for informing the patient. Within 2 months (March and April 1996) we received 290 answers (39%) and 97 centres sent documents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analysis of the questionnaire and the documents was performed quantitatively with usual statistical methods and qualitatively with a socio-anthropological method of content analysis. RESULTS Analysis of the questionnaire shows the major role of the radiation oncologist in giving information and writing documents. The 298 different samples sent from 97 centres represent a wide panel with a booklet of general information (59 booklets/57 centres), practical advice and specific explanations (177 documents/49 centres) and informed consent (36 documents/28 centres). The anthropological study was centred on the way information was given, evaluation of the patients understanding and analysis of documents sent. CONCLUSION This preliminary survey needs to be completed by a study, including the patients point of view and needs, about the information given.

Influence des facteurs socioculturels dans la prise de décision médicale en cancérologie

Shared decision-making is based on the idea of an enlightened participation of the patient to the therapeutic decision process, especially when the ratio between risks and benefits of treatment options is uncertain. The physician owes to ponder the advantages and the inconveniences of chemotherapy, which can be enlightened by a discussion with the patient. Thus, neither shared decision-making nor decision tools are currently used in France. Our aim is to evaluate the variables that step in the therapeutic choice of French physicians concerning the adjuvant chemotherapy prescription in breast cancer. We focus on the impact of different medical cultures on decision processes and shared decision-making conceptions. A socio-anthropological study is carried out with the participation of six French medical centre. First results show the influence of local specificities, professional groups and individual sociocultural background of physicians.

apports de l'anthropologie appliquée au champ de la cancérologie =: interests of applied anthropology to oncology

From now on the introduction of social and human sciences studies in the field of oncology has not always been conclusive. This article aims to analyze the bounds that border the meeting and the understanding between physicians, patients and anthropologists. It also treats the problems due to the introduction of applied anthropology in the field of oncology and points up the interests and practical contributions that this disciplinary bring and could bring.

Que peuvent apporter l’anthropologie et la sociologie à la pratique en cancérologie ? Apport des sciences humaines à la cancérologie

RésuméDepuis les débuts des sciences humaines en cancérologie, la recherche sociologique et anthropologique, dans les établissements de soins, s’est largement développée sans toujours convaincre de son intérêt. Cet article vise à aborder les freins qui entravent la rencontre et la compréhension mutuelles entre soignants et chercheurs en sciences humaines, les problématiques qu’engendre l’introduction des sciences humaines en cancérologie, ainsi que les intérêts et les apports pratiques que peut apporter un véritable partenariat soignant-chercheur.AbstractFrom now on, the introduction of human sciences studies in the field of oncology has not always been conclusive. This article aims to analyze the bounds that border the meeting and the understanding between physicians and human sciences researchers. It also treats the problems due to the introduction of human sciences in the field of oncology and points up the interests and practical contributions that a partnership between physicians and researchers could bring.

Prise en compte de l’entourage des patients atteints de cancer: un aperçu mondial des programmes et des actions d’information et de soutien

Résumé:Une étude bibliographique sur les publications concernant la prise en compte de l’entourage des patients, montre que ce sont les pays scandinaves et anglosaxons qui ont le plus avancé dans cette réflexion et dans la mise en place de programmes évalués destinés à apporter soutien, conseils et aide aux proches de malades atteints de cancer. L’entourage concerne les proches, c’est-à-dire la famille et les amis, et dans certains cas, l’équipe soignante. Il s’agit d’une vision très large dans le cadre d’une prise en charge globale.Nous assistons en France depuis les premiers États Généraux des malades du cancer organisés par La Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer en 1998 et en 2000 à une évolution irréversible des mentalités qui ne peut que déboucher, grâce aussi au Plan Cancer, à un meilleur soutien non seulement des patients mais encore de leur entourage.Abstract:A survey of published studies and programs concerning the family and friends of cancer patients shows that Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries are well ahead in the development of evaluated programs for information and help, considering the patient and their close relations, as well as the medical team as a whole, in a global approach to treatment and follow-up. In France, since the first «États Généraux des malades» (National meeting of patients) for cancer patients organised by the Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer in 1998 and 2000 and the establishment of the «Cancer Plan», we witness an irreversible evolution of attitudes and mental process leading to a better support of patients and their families and friends.