Interventions to support patients affected by an altered appearance

Lewis-Smith, Helena; Harcourt, Diana; Clarke, Alex

Abstract

Changes to appearance as a result of disease and treatment can be a source of considerable distress for many patients. In this chapter we apply a stepped model of care as a framework to consider the use of psychosocial approaches to support people whose appearance and/or body image has changed as a result of cancer. In doing so, we explore the use of a range of interventions, from societal level approaches aiming to shift attitudes towards appearance amongst the general population through to high level interventions for patients with high levels of distress, delivered by psychosocial specialists with expertise in this field. We also reflect on the challenges facing health professionals and researchers who are looking to provide evidence-based care, and offer suggestions for the future direction of research.

Citation

Lewis-Smith, H., Harcourt, D., & Clarke, A. (2018). Interventions to support patients affected by an altered appearance. In M. C. Fingeret, & I. Teo (Eds.), Body Image Care for Cancer Patients: Principles and Practice, 57-80. OUP USA

• Publication Date: Aug 13, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 14, 2020
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 57-80
• Book Title: Body Image Care for Cancer Patients: Principles and Practice
• ISBN: 9780190655617
• Keywords: interventions, support, patients, altered appearance, visible difference, body image
• Publisher URL: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/body-image-care-for-cancer-patients-9780190655617?q=Body%20Image%20Care%20for%20Cancer%20Patients:%20Principles%20and%20Practice&lang=en&cc=gb
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Pages 57-80 'Interventions to support patients affected by an altered appearance' by Helena Lewis-Smith, Diana Harcourt, and Alex Clarke In 'Body Image Care for Cancer Patients: Principles and Practice' edited by Michelle Cororve Fingeret and Irene Teo, reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press https://global.oup.com/academic/product/body-image-care-for-cancer-patients-9780190655617?q=Body%20Image%20Care%20for%20Cancer%20Patients:%20Principles%20and%20Practice&lang=en&cc=gb