Surviving testicular cancer : the Lebanese experience

Abstract

Health care providers; physicians and nurses, face tremendous occupational and academic challenges while working to meet many expectations imposed on them by patients and administrators. Some of these challenges include interacting with patients, coping with emotional issues related to illness or death, coordinating with other health professionals, feeling undervalued or unsupported, inconsistencies between some aspects of medical or nursing education and clinical practice, and problematic scheduling associated with shiftwork.Under these conditions, a doctor or nurse may experience stress whose effects may include both immediate and long-term emotional, physical, or psychological problems. These effects are detrimental, not only to the health professionals; but also to patients and the health system as a whole.In light of the significant stress and the deleterious consequences of this stress on their lives, it seems important to seriously explore effective means of supporting them. A Stress Management Program can be implemented in hospitals. Moreover, given that job burnout and distress have been significantly associated with decreased patient satisfaction and suboptimal self-reported patient care, incorporating stress management techniques such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness; diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and self-hypnosis are effective interventions for health care professionals which also have the potential to enhance patient care.