ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to understand the quantity and quality of psychosocial services offered at counselling centres for outpatients with cancer in Saxony, a federal state of Germany. METHODS: Structured interviews with employees on site at the counselling centres in Saxony (N=30) and an analysis of their yearly reports were undertaken. RESULTS: The majority of the counselling centres (N=25) was situated at local health departments. All institutions document their activities regularly and offer continuous training for their employees. Services include primarily information on and admission to social services whereas psychological and psychotherapeutic services are rare. Considering the guideline criteria for staffing with a ratio of one counsellor per 75,000 inhabitants, a total of 23 counsellors were lacking in the federal state of Saxony at the time of investigation. CONCLUSIONS: The method of situating counselling centres at local health departments ensures good access for almost all cancer patients and relatives seeking counselling. However, due to restricted financial resources the services offered are not sufficient according to the guidelines and solutions for this situation are needed.
