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Lam CS, Lee CP, Chan JWY, Cheung YT. Patterns and factors associated with the prescription of psychotropic medications after diagnosis of cancer in Chinese patients: A population-based cohort study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5754. [PMID: 38362653 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with cancer may be prescribed psychotropic medications to address their psychiatric symptoms and disorders. This study examined the patterns and factors associated with the prescription of psychotropics after cancer diagnosis using a population-based database in Hong Kong. METHODS Patients who were diagnosed with malignant cancer and had no documented psychiatric diagnosis or psychotropic medications prior to cancer diagnosis, were included. Multivariable log-binomial models were used to explore the associations between predictive factors and psychotropic medications use. RESULTS Among 9337 patients, 1868 patients (20.0%) were newly prescribed with psychotropic medications after cancer diagnoses, most commonly hypnotics (50.3%) and antidepressants (32.8%). About one-third (31.4%) were prescribed chronic psychotropics (≥90 days). Approximately 48.3% of patients who were prescribed psychotropic medications received their prescriptions within 1 year after diagnosed with cancer. Only 18.6% of those prescribed psychotropic medications had a registered psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with multiple comorbidities (adjusted risk ratio[aRR] = 2.74; CI = 2.46-3.05) and diagnosed with oral (aRR = 1.89; CI = 1.52-2.35) or respiratory cancers (aRR = 1.62; CI = 1.36-1.93) were more likely to be prescribed psychotropics. CONCLUSIONS The use of psychotropic medication is common (20%) among patients with cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of identification and documentation of psychiatric needs among patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Sing Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chui Ping Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joey Wing Yan Chan
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yin Ting Cheung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Mariano C, Willemsma K, Sattar S, Haase K, Bates A, Nunez JJ. Supportive care and healthcare service utilisation in older adults with a new cancer diagnosis: a population-based review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004605. [PMID: 38154923 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults have unique needs and may benefit from additional supportive services through their cancer journey. It can be challenging for older adults to navigate the siloed systems within cancer centres and the community. We aimed to document the use of supportive care services in older adults with a new cancer diagnosis in a public healthcare system. METHODS We used population-based databases in British Columbia to document referrals to supportive care services. Patients aged 70 years and above with a new diagnosis of solid tumour in the year 2015 were included. Supportive care services captured were social work, psychiatry, palliative care, nutrition and home care. Chart review was used to assess visits to the emergency room and extra calls to the cancer centre help line. RESULTS 2014 patients were included with a median age of 77, 30% had advanced cancer. 459 (22.8%) of patients accessed one or more services through the cancer centre. The most common service used was patient and family counselling (13%). 309 (15.3%) of patients used community home care services. Patients aged 80 years and above were less likely to access supportive care resources (OR 0.57) compared with those 70-79 years. Patients with advanced cancer, those treated at smaller cancer centres, and patients with colorectal, gynaecological and lung cancer were more likely to have received a supportive care referral. CONCLUSIONS Older adults, particularly those above 80 years, have low rates of supportive care service utilisation. Barriers to access must be explored, in addition to novel ways of holistic care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Mariano
- BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kaylie Willemsma
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Kristen Haase
- The University of British Columbia Faculty of Nursing, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alan Bates
- BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Jose Nunez
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Parmet T, Yusufov M, Braun IM, Pirl WF, Matlock DD, Sannes TS. Willingness toward psychosocial support during cancer treatment: a critical yet challenging construct in psychosocial care. Transl Behav Med 2023; 13:511-517. [PMID: 36940406 PMCID: PMC10465092 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial distress screening, mandated by the American College Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, continues to be implemented across cancer centers nationwide. Although measuring distress is critical to identifying patients who may benefit from additional support, several studies suggest that distress screening may not actually increase patients' utilization of psychosocial services. While various investigators have identified barriers that may impede effective implementation of distress screening, we posit that patients' intrinsic motivation, which we term patients' willingness, may be the biggest predictor for whether cancer patients choose to engage with psychosocial services. In this commentary, we define patient willingness towards psychosocial services as a novel construct, distinct from the intention toward a certain behavior described across pre-existing models of health behavior change. Further, we offer a critical perspective of models of intervention design that focus on acceptability and feasibility as preliminary outcomes thought to encompass the willingness construct described herein. Finally, we summarize several health service models that successfully integrate psychosocial services alongside routine oncology care. Overall, we present an innovative model that acknowledges barriers and facilitators and underscores the critical role of willingness in health behavior change. Consideration of patients' willingness toward psychosocial care will move the field of psychosocial oncology forward in clinical practice, policy initiatives, and study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Parmet
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Miryam Yusufov
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ilana M Braun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - William F Pirl
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Veteran Affairs (VA) Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Timothy S Sannes
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester, MA, USA
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Park CHK, Kim H, Kim Y, Joo YH. Characteristics of Patients Presenting to a Psycho-Oncology Outpatient Clinic. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:743-754. [PMID: 34333898 PMCID: PMC8390942 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the overall profile of patients in a psycho-oncology clinic and the differences in their characteristics according to the cancer site. METHODS The charts of 740 patients aged under 81 years were reviewed. The data from 586 completed questionnaires were subjected to multiple comparison analyses using one-way analysis of variance to examine the demographic and clinical differences according to the cancer site. RESULTS Most (n=532, 71.9%) patients were referred. Most new patients (n=426, 96.6%) received a psychiatric diagnosis; the most common diagnosis was depressive disorder (n=234, 31.6%). Likewise, depressive disorder accounted for the majority of diagnoses in all groups except for the digestive system cancer group in which sleep-wake disorder was the most prevalent. The female genital cancer group showed a higher level of anxiety symptoms than other groups, except for breast and haematolymphoid cancer groups, and psychological distress than all other groups. CONCLUSION There appear to be delays in the referral of cancer patients seeking psychiatric help to a psycho-oncology clinic. Along with tailoring approaches by cancer site, thorough evaluation and appropriate management of sleep-wake and anxiety symptoms are important for digestive system and female genital cancer patients, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hyung Keun Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Harin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangsik Kim
- Mental Health Research Institute, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Joo
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Examination of a distress screening intervention for rural cancer survivors reveals low uptake of psychosocial referrals. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:582-589. [PMID: 33983534 PMCID: PMC8116196 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To determine the impact of a telemedicine-delivered intervention aimed at identifying unmet needs and cancer-related distress (CRD) following the end of active treatment on supportive care referral patterns. Methods We used a quasi-experimental design to compare supportive care referral patterns between a group of rural cancer survivors receiving the intervention and a control group (N = 60). We evaluated the impact of the intervention on the number and type of referrals offered and whether or not the participant accepted the referral. CRD was measured using a modified version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List. Results Overall, 30% of participants received a referral for further post-treatment supportive care. Supporting the benefits of the intervention, the odds of being offered a referral were 13 times higher for those who received the intervention than those in the control group. However, even among the intervention group, only 28.6% of participants who were offered a referral for further psychosocial care accepted. Conclusions A nursing telemedicine visit was successful in identifying areas of high distress and increasing referrals. However, referral uptake was low, particularly for psychosocial support. Distance to care and stigma associated with seeking psychosocial care may be factors. Further study to improve referral uptake is warranted. Implications for Cancer Survivors Screening for CRD may be inadequate for cancer survivors unless patients can be successfully referred to further supportive care. Strategies to improve uptake of psychosocial referrals is of high importance for rural survivors, who are at higher risk of CRD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11764-021-01052-4.
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Kunz V, Wichmann G, Lehmann-Laue A, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Dietz A, Wiegand S. Screening for distress, related problems and perceived need for psycho-oncological support in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:478. [PMID: 33926414 PMCID: PMC8086062 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In different cancer entities, several studies have shown the adverse effects of cancer on mental health, psychological well-being and the increased risk of high emotional distress in cancer patients. This study aims to analyze psychosocial distress levels and their relationship between sociodemographic parameters and selected items on the Distress Thermometer (DT) Problem List in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Patients and methods We assessed a total of 120 HNSCC patients using the Distress Thermometer (DT) Problem List. Distress scores (DTS) of 90 patients were available. A DTS of ≥ 5 on the visual analogue scale represents clinically relevant distress. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, comparison of mean values for different DTS subcategories and correlation between DTS scores and parameters of tumor classification, sociodemographic variables and selected problems. Results Distress was present in 57.7% of the sample, with a total of 52 patients with a DTS ≥ 5. The mean DTS was 4.7 (SD 2.4). Patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC had significantly higher DTS. Distress levels were significantly associated with sadness, general worries, anxiety, nervousness, sleeping disorders, mouth sores and fever. Out of the total sample, 6 patients and out of these 6 individuals, 5 patients with a DTS ≥ 5 requested referrals to psycho-oncological service. Conclusion High distress levels were common in HNSCC patients but only few patients desired psycho-oncological care. Addressing patients’ supportive care needs in routine clinical practice is essential to meet unmet needs of HNSCC patients and thus improve cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kunz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - G Wichmann
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Lehmann-Laue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Dietz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S Wiegand
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Chepulis L, Ryan B, Blackmore T, Burrett V, McCleery J, Lawrenson R. Characteristics of lung cancer patients receiving psychosocial support in urban New Zealand. Psychooncology 2019; 28:1588-1590. [PMID: 31141622 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Chepulis
- Waikato Medical Research Centre, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Brittany Ryan
- School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Tania Blackmore
- Waikato Medical Research Centre, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Vanessa Burrett
- Cancer Psychological and Social Support Service, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jenny McCleery
- Cancer Psychological and Social Support Service, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Ross Lawrenson
- Waikato Medical Research Centre, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Ernst J, Faller H, Koch U, Brähler E, Härter M, Schulz H, Weis J, Köhler N, Hinz A, Mehnert A. Doctor's recommendations for psychosocial care: Frequency and predictors of recommendations and referrals. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205160. [PMID: 30286172 PMCID: PMC6171924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of oncological patients are heavily burdened by psychosocial stress. Doctors recommending or referring their patients to psycho-oncologists in the course of routine consultations can positively influence psycho-oncological care. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency and predictors of such recommendations and to examine the use of these services by patients. METHODS 4,020 cancer patients (mean age 58 years; 51% women) were evaluated in a multicenter, cross-sectional study in Germany. Data was gathered about doctors' referral practices, patients' utilization of psycho-oncological care services, and disease-related symptoms. The PHQ-9 depression scale and the GAD-7 anxiety scale were used to measure psychological burden. Descriptive data analysis was conducted on the basis of subgroup comparisons and multivariable analysis was done using binary logistical regression. RESULTS 21.9% of the respondents reported having been given a recommendation or referral for psycho-oncological care by a doctor within the course of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. This comprises 29.5% of the patients identified by screening as being psychologically burdened. Nearly half of the patients who received a recommendation or referral (49.8%) acted on it. Predictors for seeking out psycho-oncological care included: patient desire (OR = 2.0), previous experience with psycho-oncological care (OR = 1.59), and female gender (OR = 1.57). Multivariable analysis indicated that patients' level of psychological burden (depression, anxiety) had no effect on whether doctors gave them a recommendation or referral. CONCLUSIONS Along with examining the degree to which patients are burdened (e.g. using screening instruments), determining whether or not patients would like to receive psycho-oncological care is an important aspect of improving referral practices and, by extension, will allow important progress in the field of psycho-oncological care to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Ernst
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Hermann Faller
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Klinikstrasse 3, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Koch
- Department and Outpatient Clinic of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacherstrasse 8, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department and Outpatient Clinic of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Holger Schulz
- Department and Outpatient Clinic of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Department of Psychooncology, Clinic for Oncological Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Köhler
- Clinical Trial Centre, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Hinz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Skaczkowski G, Sanderson P, Shand M, Byrne A, Wilson C. Factors associated with referral offer and acceptance following supportive care problem identification in a comprehensive cancer service. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2018; 27:e12869. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Skaczkowski
- School of Psychology & Public Health; La Trobe University; Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre; Austin Health; Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Penelope Sanderson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre; Austin Health; Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Melissa Shand
- North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Amanda Byrne
- North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- School of Psychology & Public Health; La Trobe University; Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre; Austin Health; Heidelberg Vic. Australia
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Kim WH, Bae JN, Lim J, Lee MH, Hahm BJ, Yi HG. Relationship between physicians' perceived stigma toward depression and physician referral to psycho-oncology services on an oncology/hematology ward. Psychooncology 2017; 27:824-830. [PMID: 28857342 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was performed to identify relationships between physicians' perceived stigma toward depression and psycho-oncology service utilization on an oncology/hematology ward. METHODS The study participants were 235 patients in an oncology/hematology ward and 14 physicians undergoing an internal medicine residency training program in Inha University Hospital (Incheon, South Korea). Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and residents completed the Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination scale that evaluates perceived stigma toward depression. A total PHQ-9 score of ≥5 was defined as clinically significant depression. Physicians decided on referral on the basis of their opinions and those of their patients. The correlates of physicians' recommendation for referral to psycho-oncology services and real referrals psycho-oncology services were examined. RESULTS Of the 235 patients, 143 had PHQ-9 determined depression, and of these 143 patients, 61 received psycho-oncology services. Physicians recommended that 87 patients consult psycho-oncology services. Multivariate analyses showed that lower physicians' perceived stigma regarding depression was significantly associated with physicians' recommendation for referral, and that real referral to psycho-oncology services was significantly associated with presence of a hematologic malignancy and lower physicians' perceived stigma toward depression. CONCLUSION Physicians' perceived stigma toward depression was found to be associated with real referral to psycho-oncology services and with physician recommendation for referral to psycho-oncology services. Further investigations will be needed to examine how to reduce physicians' perceived stigma toward depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Hyoung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Nam Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohan Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Hahm
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Gyu Yi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Lee HJ, Lee KM, Jung D, Shim EJ, Hahm BJ, Kim JH. Psycho-oncology in Korea: past, present and future. Biopsychosoc Med 2017; 11:12. [PMID: 28469700 PMCID: PMC5410701 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-017-0097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psycho-oncology in Korea was introduced among the circle of consultation-liaison psychiatrists, in the 1990s. For almost 25 years, the field has been developing at a steady pace as the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer continue to increase. In this study, we review the history of psycho-oncology in Korea, in a chronological order, within the domains of clinical practice, research activity, training, and public policy. Main body Before the 1990s, patients with cancer with psychiatric comorbidities were usually taken care of by consultation-liaison psychiatrists in general hospitals. In 1993, psycho-oncology was first introduced by psychiatrists. Psychologists, nurses, and social workers have also been increasingly involved in providing psychosocial care for patients with cancer. Professionals from various disciplines began to communicate, and agreed to found the Korean Psycho-Oncology Study Group (KPOSG) in 2006, the first academic society in this field. In 2009, National Cancer Center published the “Recommendations for Distress Management in Patients with Cancer”, which are consensus-based guidelines for Korean patients. In 2014, the KPOSG was dissolved and absorbed into a new organization, the Korean Psycho-Oncology Society (KPOS). It functions as a center of development of psycho-oncology, publishing official journals, and hosting annual conferences. There are many challenges, including, low awareness of psycho-oncology, presence of undertreated psychiatric disorders in patients with cancer, shortage of well-trained psycho-oncologists, stigma, and suicide risk. It is important to improve the cancer care system to the extent that psycho-oncology is integrated with mainstream oncology. Considering the socio-cultural characteristics of Korean cancer care, a Korean model of distress management is being prepared by the KPOS. Conclusion This article provides an overview of the development, current issues, and future challenges of psycho-oncology in Korea. Through its long journey to overcome the many barriers and stigmas of cancer and mental illnesses, psycho-oncology is now acknowledged as an essential part of integrated supportive care in cancer. Active research and international cooperation can gradually shape the Korean model of distress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jeong Lee
- Mental Health Clinic, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10408 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Min Lee
- Public Health Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Uijeongbu Hospital, 142 Heungseon-ro, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do 11671 Republic of Korea
| | - Dooyoung Jung
- Department of Human Factors Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan, 44919 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Shim
- Department of Psychology, Pusan National University, 2 Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Hahm
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Heun Kim
- Mental Health Clinic, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10408 Republic of Korea
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