Articles

Caring for the oncologist: caregiver stress and staff support in oncology

BJMO - volume 8, issue 2, may 2014

C. Langenaeken MD, W. Rombouts MA

Although oncology is a very rewarding profession, it can be demanding and stressful. Work-related stress, a lack of meaning in work and problems with work-life balance may lead to distress and burnout. The phenomenon of oncologist distress and burnout is reviewed with a focus on care for the caregiver. A person-oriented approach focusing on promoting personal wellness, factors that bring satisfaction to work, resilience, and positive emotions may provide important coping strategies, adding to the standard focus on job-related factors. Guided intervision may benefit the oncologist and his team by providing a forum for discussing job- and team-related issues, gaining insight through reflection and providing support and meaning-making.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(2):38–43)

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