A Communication Intervention for Training Southern European Oncologists to Recognize Psychosocial Morbidity in Cancer. I - Development of the Model and Preliminary Results on Physicians' Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: The detection of psychosocial distress is a significant communication problem in Southern Europe and other countries. Work in this area is hampered by a lack of data. Because not much is known about training aimed at improving the recognition of psychosocial disorders in cancer patients, we developed a basic course model for medical oncology professionals. METHODS: A specific educational and experiential model (12 hours divided into 2 modules) involving formal teaching (ie, journal articles, large-group presentations), practice in small groups (ie, small-group exercises and role playing), and discussion in large groups was developed with the aim of improving the ability of oncologists to detect emotional disturbances in cancer patients (ie, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders). RESULTS: A total of 30 oncologists from 3 Southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) participated in the workshop. The training course was well accepted by most participants who expressed general satisfaction and a positive subjective perception of the utility of the course for clinical practice. Of the total participants, 28 physicians (93.3%) thought that had they been exposed to this material sooner, they would have incorporated the techniques received in the workshop into their practices; 2 participants stated they would likely have done so. Half of the doctors (n = 15) believed that their clinical communication techniques were improved by participating in the workshop, and the remaining half thought that their abilities to communicate with cancer patients had improved. CONCLUSIONS: This model is a feasible approach for oncologists and is easily applicable to various oncology settings. Further studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of this method for improving oncologists skills in recognizing emotional disorders in their patients with cancer.

Paralisia Facial: Técnicas de Reconstrução Neuro-Muscular

Several surgical procedures have been proposed through the years for the treatment of facial paralysis. The multiplicity and diversity of techniques portray the complexity and challenge represented by this pathology. Two basic dynamic options are available: -Reconstruction of nerve continuity through direct micro suture, with interposition grafts or nerve transpositions. -Regional muscular transposition, most often using the temporalis. Facial reanimation with the temporalis transfer has withstood the test of time and still is a reference technique. In a few weeks, good results can be obtained with a single and rather simple surgical procedure. Functional free flaps have been used with increasing frequency in the last two decades, most often combining a cross-facial nerve graft followed by a gracilis free flap nine months later. With this method there is a potential for restoration of spontaneous facial mimetic function. Apparently there is a limit in microsurgical technique and expertise beyond which there is no clear improvement in nerve regeneration. Current research is now actively studying and identifying nerve growth factors and pharmacological agents that might have an important and complementary role in the near future.

Paralisia Facial Periférica. O Papel da Medicina Física e de Reabilitação

A paralisia facial periférica (PFP) resulta da lesão neuronal periférica do nervo facial (NF). Pode ser primária (Paralisia de Bell) ou secundária. Além do quadro clínico clássico, que tipicamente envolve os dois andares da hemiface afectada, pode apresentar-se com outros sintomas acompanhantes(ex. xeroftalmia, hiperacúsia, alteração da fonação e deglutição), que importa pesquisar. A avaliação clínica inclui a aferição rigorosa do tónus muscular e da sensibilidade do território do NF. Alguns instrumentos permitem maior objectividade na avaliação dos doentes (Sistema de House-Brackmann, Sistema de Graduação Facial, Avaliação Funcional). Há critérios claros de referenciação à especialidade de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação. O tratamento da Paralisia de Bell pode englobar a terapêutica farmacológica, a reeducação neuromuscular (RNM), os métodos físicos e a cirurgia. Dentro da RNM, sistematizam-se as várias técnicas de tratamento. As estratégias do plano terapêutico devem ser orientadas por problemas e ajustadas aos sintomas e sinais do doente. Revê-se o papel dos métodos físicos. Cerca de 15-20% dos doentes fica com sequelas permanentes após três meses de evolução. A PFP é uma condição frequentemente pluridisciplinar, importando conhecer as estratégias disponibilizadas pela Medicina de Reabilitação.

Displasia Fibrosa Crânio-Facial a Propósito de Dois Casos Clínicos

Dependendo da localização e do número de ossos envolvidos, a Displasia Fibrosa (D.F.) crânio-facial pode ser responsável por síndromes dismórficos e por sintomatologia otológica, oftalmológica ou rinológica. Este artigo tem por objectivo i1ustrar dois casos clínicos de D. F. Poliostótica com envolvimento predominante dos ossos temporal a etmóide. No primeiro caso clínico o envolvimento do osso temporal é responsável por síndrome vertiginoso resultante de hipofunção vestibular esquerda e da obliteração do aqueduto vestibular homolateral. Neste coso o doente foi submetido a neurectomia dos nervos vestibulares, por via retrosigmóide. O segundo caso clínico é um caso de D.F. predominantemente do osso etmóide, acompanhado de proptose e obstrução nasal, em que se procedeu à excisão total por via paralateronasal sob controlo endoscópico. Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura sobre a clínica, o diagnóstico, e a terapêutica do da doença a nível crânio-facial.

The Support Role in Clinical Supervision of Nursing Students: Determinant in the Development of Emotional Skills

The problematic situation faced by clients, associated to the processes of health and disease, is expressed through emotions that nursing students have to deal with in the course of care and their formative experiences in clinical teaching. Students have learning needs not only to manage emotions in the context of customer care, but also in terms of their own internal world, emotional conflicts, emotional stress and burn-out. With the present literature review, we intend to explore existing evidence regarding the ways in which the nurse supervisor's support towards nursing students potentiates the development of their competences for the performance of emotional labour. These skills prove to be the key in the ability to manage the emotionally intense situations of care practice and the support function of the nursing supervisor contributes to the development of such competences.