"We are a transit station here": The role of Israeli oncology social workers in responding to mental health distress and suicidality in patients with cancer.

Social workers have a prominent role in responding to cancer patients' mental health needs. Given the risk of mental health distress in cancer patients, and given that social workers are responsible for responding to these needs, the purpose of this study was to explore how social workers describe their role in responding to mental health distress and suicidality in people with cancer. The Grounded Theory method of data collection and analysis was used. Eighteen social workers were recruited and interviewed. Social workers saw themselves and acted as an interprofessional hub for their patients. This approach was based on the values of holistic care, multiple treatment modalities, interpersonal consultation, and continuity of care. From this standpoint, social workers offered their patients (and at times, their families) comprehensive services providing emotional, behavioral and practical support within the hospital setting, but also outside of it in the patient's communities. Consideration should be paid to promote systemic changes to acknowledge and compensate oncology socials workers' invisible labor that includes both emotional carryover and continuous engagement in their role as liaison and intermediaries for their patients.

Early exposure to a clinical oncology course during the preclinical second year of medical school.

PROBLEM: Although only some medical students pursue a career in oncology, all should have a basic understanding of the issues surrounding cancer and its treatment. The authors designed and implemented a one-week introductory clinical oncology course for second-year medical students at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. The course presents a holistic approach to caring for patients with cancer that goes beyond the biological aspects of the disease. APPROACH: In 2013, the authors interviewed four former students and surveyed all current students before and after they completed the course to evaluate its reception and effectiveness. OUTCOMES: Of the 86 students in the course, 77 (90%) completed both the pre- and postcourse surveys. After taking the course, more students reported being concerned about ethical issues, being emotionally stirred by the course, being comfortable speaking with a cancer patient about death and dying, and being comfortable with the fact that the course dealt with issues of death and loss and with "how to live with cancer." In addition, more students reported a fear of causing a cancer patient suffering because of a treatment yet viewed cancer optimistically. Finally, more students considered specializing in oncology. NEXT STEPS: That students reported increased empathy toward cancer patients despite increased trepidation about causing them suffering is promising. Such courses may be one way to counteract the decrease in empathy among students as they progress through medical school. As such, medical schools might consider including this type of curriculum in their preclinical oncology studies.