Back to Square One. Ethical Considerations Regarding Psychosocial Care of Romanian Cancer Patients in 2014

In this study we aimed to investigate experiences and challenges faced by Romanian professionals working in psychosocial oncology carein order to identify the stage of development of this area seven years after Romania joined the European Union.To meet this goal, we have structured our study into seven sections. Thus, in the second section, which follows the introductory part, we define the field of psychosocial care in oncology and briefly describe the evolution of this field both on international and national level. The third section briefly overviews standards of practice and ethical principles in psychosocial oncology care, as they were adapted from the American Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW). Next, we present the first empirical study we conducted among Romanian professionals in psychosocial oncology care. Section four, which presents the methodology used in the research, is followed by detailed description of preliminary results of the study. In this regard, the fifth section presents results structured by main dimensions, variablesincluded in the research:socio-demographic and professional characteristics;aspects of job satisfaction; opinions and attitudes about work and cancer patients’ distress; awareness of the state of psychosocial oncology development in Romania; and currentprofessional needs.Section six reflects relevant implications for professional ethics in psychosocial oncology care, which leads to directions for future action to improve services in psychosocial cancer care in Romania, in the seventh, last section.Translation from power to empowerment is an unsolved professional need in cancer care in Romania, as patients are still approached by professionals with over-protective and avoidant attitudes, which make them vulnarable to victimhood. Cancer patients in Romania are not yet considered active partners in helping, supportive relationships.


Keywords: psychosocial-oncology, ethical issues, professionals, cancer patients, Romania