Role of the Psychologist on a Radical Head and Neck Surgical Service Team

The increasing visibility of psychologists on multidisciplinary health care teams is well documented. The psychologist on a surgical service team dealing with patients who require head & neck surgery faces complex problems. These problems include the preexisting characteristics of these patients, the nature of the illness being treated, and the grave nature of the residual difficulties – both physicial & psychological. This article outlines & describes these special challenges. 17 refs.