Prise en charge globale d'un patient atteint de tumeur cérébrale par des équipes intra et extra hospitalières. À propos d'un cas exemplaire

Announcing the diagnosis of a severe and potentially fatal disease is a stressful situation which may trigger psychological disorganization. In an emergency context, the critical situation is sometimes announced to families without proper preparation. When faced with such an awful reality, the family's psychological reactions vary greatly, but in general, are proportional to the intensity of the psychological shock. Insufficient time for talking, related to the medical environment and the burden of the medical staff when making the shocking announcement, can weaken the psychological resistance of the patient and the family, compromising their psychological well being. The presence of a psychologist at this critical moment opens a space for talking, for “being there” for the patient, the family and the medical staff. Words can be put on the traumatic event allowing all to better cope with their subjective reactions.