As a midcareer academic medical oncologist, I have found that some books are especially useful as a pocket reference. Some books are small enough for a briefcase, but not ideal for a coat pocket. Others are best sequestered on a bookshelf. Where a book is placed often influences how one will (or won't) use it or read it.
So where does this book belong, and how can it be used by oncologists, nurses, and other clinicians in today's busy clinical oncology settings? Just like an initial encounter with an original article in a journal, it is useful to know the authors' perspective and reputation before investing precious time reading. This handbook was edited by Jimmie Holland, MD, Donna Greenberg, MD, and Mary Hughes, MS, RN. Drs. Holland and Greenberg are senior level-academic psychiatrists who are world-renowned as experts in psycho-oncology. Mary Hughes is known for her clinical excellence and teaching ability as a clinical nurse specialist, and she has been an active leader at a national level with projects related to this field. These academicians and clinicians are joined by 19 highly qualified contributors from key disciplines in psycho-oncology, including psychiatry, psychology, pharmacology, nursing, social work, and chaplaincy.
Instead of getting the expertise (and perhaps biases) of one or two individuals known for work in a specific area, the contributors have shared the responsibility for communicating the entire body of psycho-oncology knowledge as effectively as possible. The overall effect of this approach is that it seems as if a "psycho-oncology whisperer" is standing by the reader, giving a "chalk-talk" on delirium or substance abuse or sexual dysfunction (or other pertinent topics) in a timely fashion. Each of us has fond feelings about the clinicians who taught us in real time, one-on-one or in small groups—an approach that reflects a true desire to teach. This book conveys that feeling and reflects that commitment on the part of the contributors.
Another issue that comes up when one is trying to decide whether to purchase a handbook (or how to rationalize it if you already clicked the "confirm" button on an Internet purchase) is why you need the book in the first place. I have found that some books are excellent but too detailed for my level of knowledge or too tangential to what I really need to know. I have a special interest in psycho-oncology from the framework of general medical oncology, and this book fell into an appropriate range of utility for me: It is not so general that I feel like it masters the obvious, and it is not obscure to the point that it lacks relevance.
Some examples may be helpful to illustrate this opinion. The Purpose and Overview is succinctly written and makes a compelling case for understanding distress and the associated National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for screening and management. The distress thermometer and symptom checklist that is widely used by psycho-oncologists in academic cancer centers is included. The chapter on screening instruments permits access to the items and scoring methods in the widely used clinical and research-specific instruments.
The chapter on psychiatric emergencies provides a sense of what a "psychiatric code" might involve, what specific techniques might be used for calming an agitated patient, and how to assess the level of risk involved when assessing a suicidal patient. I found the chapter on common psychiatric disorders to be particularly strong in helping me understand how to assess and deal with the issue of substance abuse. This chapter describes specific techniques for dealing with patients with personality disorders, how to break bad news, and key communication issues related to children.
I have been carefully stockpiling notes and key articles to help me understand some of these issues, and this handbook gives this information to me directly, referencing key articles for further reading. Also, if I want to know which antidepressants come as wafers or orally dissolvable tablets and what the starting doses and "heads-up" issues are surrounding those drugs, that information is also included.
A 70-year-old man with a history of localized prostate cancer treated with whole-pelvis radiation therapy with a boost to the prostate, in conjunction with androgen deprivation therapy 7 years prior, presented with lower back pain. A bone scan revealed an area of activity in the sacrum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
