STATE OF PLAY OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION SERVICES AND ASSESSMENT OF THE NEEDS OF POST-BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IN GEORGIA

Studies assessing cancer patients' needs have revealed that 32% of patients diagnosed with cancer clearly state the need for psychosocial rehabilitation services.The present study aims to assess the psychosocial state of women after breast cancer surgery in Georgia, identify the challenges in the accessibility of full-value services, and facilitate the formation of an evidence-based best practice policy. 360 women, after breast cancer surgery, have participated in the study, among them, 180 women have received psychosocial rehabilitation training (main group), and 180 women (control group) have not used such service. The need for post-treatment psychological rehabilitation was reported by 93% of the main group respondents that is 30% more than the result for the same question in the control group.The same is confirmed by the survey of medical staff - 97%. It is noteworthy that 80% of interviewed medical staff believe that psychosocial rehabilitation is as important as other treatment.The majority of interviewed respondents in both groups (main group – 57.2%,control group – 64%) speak about a financial burden.The study has also revealed a low awareness both in cancer patients and medical staff. Among the interviewed medical staff, 60 % have no information about the rehabilitation services available in Georgia.