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Looking back to look ahead. A retrospective study of referrals to a cancer counselling service

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Abstract

The files of 192 referrals seen by three chartered psychologists as part of a new counselling service in an oncology setting were reviewed for an understanding of the population being served. Of particular interest was a description of client characteristics, referral patterns and treatment approaches. In addition, an investigation of possible relationships among these variables was considered to be important. To this end, data analysis relied upon the cross tabulation procedures of SSPS-X. Percentages obtained in this manner are reported for relationships which resulted in significant chi-square values (p<.05).

Insufficient reporting of coping strategies was noted as well as minimal documentation of intervention modalities. Without a rigidly standardized documentation system, conclusions are of necessity limited to suggestions for clinical service and for future research.

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Jevne, R.F. Looking back to look ahead. A retrospective study of referrals to a cancer counselling service. Int J Adv Counselling 13, 61–72 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00154643

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