In anticipation of an aging society and the transition to Society 5.0, various types of robots are being developed and considered for use. Government policies and other measures are also supporting the development of robots. Therefore, awareness of the use of robots is gradually spreading in the nursing care field. In this conference lecture, we discuss the “presence” of “communicative robots”, which are also being utilized and studied in the nursing care field. In particular, the presence of a communication robot with a unique user interface can lead to changes in human behavior. We believe that the sense of the robot’s presence and the positioning of the robot are important factors when using the robot in daily life. In this paper, I will introduce the deployment and utilization of robots and their potential for future clinical applications.

In the third stage of the Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs, the role of the psycho-oncologist is to address the “physical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of the cancer experience for both patients and caregivers that accompany cancer through clinical and practical activities and by being familiar with the effects on the minds of cancer patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.” The term psycho-oncologist “refers to a psychiatrist or psychosomatic physician who works to reduce pain.” It has been reported that the “doctor in charge of alleviating psychiatric symptoms” for treatment covered by medical insurance may be a psychosomatic physician.

In clinical cancer care and palliative care team settings, there is an urgent need for doctors to provide psychological support for patients, families, and medical professionals. However, the assignment of specialist doctors to address this need is an issue.

According to a recent survey, the essential abilities required of Japanese psycho-oncologists are 1) mental health expertise, 2) the ability to diagnose physical conditions, and 3) communication skills.

This paper outlines the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and qualifications required of psycho-oncologists and reports on the current issues and future prospects regarding the fulfilment of these requirements.

Cancer treatment has made tremendous progress in recent years. Cancer genomic medicine is widespread and precision medicine is being adopted. The emergence of new molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors has brought about a new era in cancer treatment. End-of-life patients can benefit from such cancer treatments.

Cancer palliative medicine has also changed significantly. Previously, the focus was on end-of-life care. However, the drug therapy initiated in the early stages of treatment and the use of a combination of drug therapy and palliative care has become an option.

In the future, it is hoped that new developments in cancer treatment will arise from multidisciplinary approaches between cancer therapists and palliative medicine doctors. Further, novel treatment strategies may arise from consulting with palliative medicine doctors during the treatment period.

During the palliative care workshop, the three sessions of “Distress” “Delirium,” and “Communication (in part)” were included in the e-learning. Based on my clinical experience as a psychiatrist, I detail the practical contents that were not conveyed in the e-learning in this document. In the “Distress” session, I caution the reader against the over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis of depression. Further, I discuss the importance of being able to use antidepressants, even by non-specialists. In the “Delirium” session, I explain the key points on of how to use the 2022 revised “Delirium in Cancer Patients : JPOS-JASCC Clinical Practice Guidelines.” Finally, in the “Communication” session, I explain the author’s particular emphasis on empathy in psycho-oncology.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a self-determination support. While it is natural to value the patient’s thoughts and wishes, it is also important to incorporate those of the patient’s family and medical staff into the ACP because they will be alive long after the patient’s death. The perspective of the bereaved family members as people who can grow after a traumatic event is important to know.

Purpose : We report on outpatient treatment of elementary, secondary, and high school students diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) at our psychosomatic department clinic, and their clinical course.

Subjects : The subjects were 107 students (28 elementary, 57 secondary, and 22 high school students) diagnosed as IGD between 2015 and 2017. The diagnostic criteria of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) were used.

Methods : Background factors, school life, sleep problems, problematic behaviors, number of outpatient visits, clinical course at 1-year follow-up, and course from the parents’ perspective at the 3-5 years follow-up were investigated.

Results : Forty-six patients (43.0%) were from single parent families. Forty-four (41.1%) had adverse childhood experiences. Thirty-eight (35.5%) had developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder, and had been bullied. Sixty-three (58.9%) had difficulty in falling asleep and 39 (36.4%) had a disturbed sleep-wake cycle. Forty-five (42.1%) exhibited school refusal and 32 (29.9%) demonstrated partial school refusal. When warned by their parents, 91 (85.0%) became verbally or physically violent; among these, eight required police intervention and five were hospitalized at a psychiatry hospital. Sixty-five (60.7%) were present at≤5 outpatient appointments, while 24 (22.4%) attended≥11 outpatient appointments.

Moderate or slight improvements were observed in 37 (90.2%) of the 41 patients who were able to continue outpatient treatment for one year. Clinical course after 3-5 years was good for 66 (75.0%) of the 88 subjects. The clinical course was unchanged or worsened for 22 (25.0%) patients.

Conclusion : Many of the students with IGD did not continue their visit to the hospital in outpatient treatment. However, cases whose clinical course improved after one year had a good clinical course after 3-5 years. Given the negative impacts of IGD, such as falling behind in school and mental and behavioral problems, early diagnosis and intervention with treatment are important.