1
|
Simnacher F, Götz A, Kling S, Schulze JB, von Känel R, Euler S, Günther MP. A short screening tool identifying systemic barriers to distress screening in cancer care. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17313-17321. [PMID: 37439075 PMCID: PMC10501250 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6331] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION International guidelines on cancer treatment recommend screening for early detection and treatment of distress. However, screening rates are insufficient. In the present study, a survey was developed to assess perceived systemic barriers to distress screening. METHODS A three-step approach was used for the study. Based on qualitative content analysis of interviews and an expert panel, an initial survey with 53 questions on barriers to screening was designed. It was completed by 98 nurses in a large comprehensive cancer center in Switzerland. From this, a short version of the survey with 24 questions was derived using exploratory principal component analysis. This survey was completed by 150 nurses in four cancer centers in Switzerland. A confirmatory factor analysis was then performed on the shortened version, yielding a final set of 14 questions. RESULTS The initial set of 53 questions was reduced to a set of 14 validated questions retaining 53% of the original variance. These 14 questions allow for an assessment within 2-3 min that identifies relevant barriers to distress screening from the perspective of those responsible for implementation of distress screening. Across several hospitals in Switzerland, the timing of the first distress screening, lack of capacity, patient and staff overload, and refusal of distressed patients to be referred to support services emerged as major problems. CONCLUSION The validated 14 questions on barriers to screening cancer patients for distress enable clinicians and hospital administrators to quickly identify relevant issues and take action to improve screening programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felice Simnacher
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Anna Götz
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sabine Kling
- Computer Vision Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fabian A, Rühle A, Domschikowski J, Trommer M, Wegen S, Becker JN, Wurschi G, Boeke S, Sonnhoff M, Fink CA, Käsmann L, Schneider M, Bockelmann E, Treppner M, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Krug D, Nicolay NH. Psychosocial distress in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a prospective national cohort of 1042 patients in Germany. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04837-5. [PMID: 37165119 PMCID: PMC10374761 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04837-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychosocial distress is common among cancer patients in general, but those undergoing radiotherapy may face specific challenges. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors for distress in a large national cohort. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective cross-sectional study which surveyed cancer patients at the end of a course of radiotherapy using a patient-reported questionnaire. Distress was measured with the distress thermometer (DT), using a cut-off of ≥ 5 points for clinically significant distress. Univariate analyses and multivariate multiple regression were used to assess associations of distress with patient characteristics. A two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Out of 2341 potentially eligible patients, 1075 participated in the study, of which 1042 completed the DT. The median age was 65 years and 49% (511/1042) of patients were female. The mean DT score was 5.2 (SD = 2.6). Clinically significant distress was reported by 63% (766/1042) of patients. Of the patient characteristics that were significantly associated with distress in the univariate analysis, a lower level of education, a higher degree of income loss, lower global quality of life, and a longer duration of radiotherapy in days remained significantly associated with higher distress in the multivariate analysis. Yet effect sizes of these associations were small. CONCLUSION Nearly two in three cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy reported clinically significant distress in a large multicenter cohort. While screening and interventions to reduce distress should be maintained and promoted, the identified risk factors may help to raise awareness in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRY IDENTIFIER DRKS: German Clinical Trial Registry identifier: DRKS00028784.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Justus Domschikowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maike Trommer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Wegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Niklas Becker
- Department of Radiotherapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Georg Wurschi
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Simon Boeke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Sonnhoff
- Center for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, 28239, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christoph A Fink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Schneider
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elodie Bockelmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Treppner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany, Partner Site Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Civilotti C, Lucchini D, Fogazzi G, Palmieri F, Benenati A, Buffoli A, Girardi V, Ruzzenenti N, Di Betta A, Donarelli E, Veglia F, Di Fini G, Gandino G. The role of integrated psychological support in breast cancer patients: a randomized monocentric prospective study evaluating the Fil-Rouge Integrated Psycho-Oncological Support (FRIPOS) program. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:266. [PMID: 37058253 PMCID: PMC10104919 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the effects of Fil-Rouge Integrated Psycho-Oncological Support (FRIPOS) in a group of women with breast cancer compared with a group receiving treatment as usual (TAU). METHODS The research design was a randomized, monocentric, prospective study with three time points of data collection: after the preoperative phase (T0), in the initial phase of treatments (T1), and 3 months after the start of treatments (T2). The FRIPOS group (N = 103) and the TAU group (N = 79) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) at T0; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 at T1; and SCL-90-R, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-BR23 at T2. RESULTS A series of independent and paired t tests showed that patients in the FRIPOS group performed better on all scales related to symptomatic manifestations and on some quality of life scales (fatigue, dyspnea, and sleep disturbances) at T2. In addition, a series of ten multiple regressions were performed to predict each SCL subscale at T2 from the SCL score at T0 and the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores at T2. In nine of ten regression models (all except somatization), both FRIPOS group membership and QoL subscale contributed significantly to prediction. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that patients in the FRIPOS group have more benefits in emotional, psychological, and collateral symptoms than patients in the TAU group and that these improvements are due to integrated psycho-oncology care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Civilotti
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Salesian University Institute (IUSTO), Turin, Italy
| | - Diana Lucchini
- Breast Psycho-Oncology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
- Associazione Priamo, Via della Lama, 61, 25133, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fogazzi
- Breast Medical Oncology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Palmieri
- Breast Surgery, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Benenati
- Breast Surgery, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
- Radiation Oncology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Buffoli
- Radiation Oncology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Girardi
- Breast Radiology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nella Ruzzenenti
- Breast Pathology, EUSOMA-Certified Breast Unit, Istituto Clinico Sant'Anna, Via del Franzone 31, 25127, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Veglia
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Fini
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Study protocol: the OptiScreen-Study: optimized psycho-oncological care-from screening to intervention. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1343-1354. [PMID: 36166092 PMCID: PMC9514185 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adequate, needs-oriented psycho-oncological care contributes to reducing psychological distress in cancer patients and their relatives and improving quality of life. Regarding the precise determination of objective and subjective needs, there are often discrepancies in practice between the screening instrument completed by patients, the clinical impression of the treatment team, and the judgment of the psycho-oncology team. METHODS The present multicenter study "OptiScreen", involving three German Comprehensive Cancer Centers (Hannover, Leipzig, Dresden), aims to professionalize psychosocial screening to enable targeted and needs-based allocation to psycho-oncological support. Optimization and professionalization of the screening process will be achieved by training of oncological nursing staff to improve the targeted identification of distressed patients and provide them with needs-based psycho-oncological care. The non-randomized pre-post study will include inpatients with gastrointestinal cancers from the visceral oncology centers at the three sites. First, the comparison group (CG) will be assessed of N = 300. After completion of nursing training, the intervention group (IG) with N = 600 patients will be evaluated by validated questionnaires. RESULTS The aim is to reduce barriers on both the patient and treatment side by promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and linking the screening with a personal consultation offer provided by the nurses, which should help to increase utilization and reduce patients' fears, shame and information deficits. CONCLUSION It is not sufficient to establish a well-validated screening procedure, it also has to be feasible and useful in clinical practice. "OptiScreen" aims to improve the psycho-oncological care situation. In parallel, the study enables the professionalization of psycho-oncological care with the involvement of important professional groups (e.g. nursing) and thus aims to develop a "best practice model".
Collapse
|
5
|
Schulze JB, Durante L, Günther MP, Götz A, Curioni-Fontecedro A, Opitz I, von Känel R, Euler S. Clinically Significant Distress and Physical Problems Detected on a Distress Thermometer are Associated With Survival Among Lung Cancer Patients. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2023; 64:128-135. [PMID: 36115496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distress thermometer is a well-established screening tool to detect clinically significant distress in cancer patients. It is often administered in combination with the problem list, differentiating further between various (e.g., physical and emotional) sources of distress. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to extend previous research on the association between distress and overall survival. A further exploratory analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the problem list for overall survival. METHODS Patients (n = 323) with newly diagnosed lung cancer were recruited from a large cancer center. Patients were split into 2 groups, those with (distress thermometer score ≥5) and those without significant distress. The overall survival time was illustrated by a Kaplan-Meier curve and compared with a log-rank test. Univariable Cox proportional hazard models were built to control the association of distress with overall survival for age, gender, disease stage, comorbidity, and their interaction terms. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association of the items from the problem list with survival time. RESULTS Patients with significant distress had a shorter survival time than patients without significant distress (25 vs. 43 months). Regression analysis revealed more problems with both "bathing and dressing" and "eating," as well as absence of "diarrhea" and increased "nervousness," to negatively associated with the overall survival time. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that estimation of the survival function using cancer-related distress is possible. However, when using Cox regression, distress shows no significant value for survival as a predictor. Moreover, our study did not reveal an interaction effect among disease stage, comorbidity, and distress. Overall, results suggest that physical and emotional problems that arise from lung cancer may be useful to identify patients at risk of poor prognosis (on the basis of Kaplan-Meier estimator).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Larissa Durante
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Götz
- Cancer Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Isabelle Opitz
- Thoracic Surgery Department, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Götz A, Kröner A, Jenewein J, Spirig R. Evaluation of distress management in inpatients with cancer by means of the distress thermometer: A mixed methods approach. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36367151 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To improve psychosocial care for oncology inpatients, we implemented screening for distress by means of distress thermometer (DT) at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Zurich in 2011. Since then, several screening barriers have been reported regarding the application of the DT. This study aimed to evaluate the distress screening process between 2012 and 2016 to identify barriers preventing sustainability. METHODS In this sequential explanatory mixed methods study, we synthesized the results of 2 quantitative retrospective descriptive studies and 1 qualitative focus group study. To compare and analyze the data, we used thematic triangulation. RESULTS Nurses screened 32% (N = 7034) of all newly admitted inpatients with the DT, and 47% of the screenings showed a distress level ≥5. Of these cases, 9.7% were referred to psycho-oncological services and 44.7% to social services. In 15.7% of these cases, nurses generated a psychosocial nursing diagnosis. In focus group interviews, nurses attributed the low screening rate to the following barriers: adaptation to patients' individual needs, patient-related barriers and resistance, timing, communication challenges, established referral practice, and lack of integration in the nursing process. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS To improve distress screening performance, the screening process should be tailored to patients' needs and to nurses' working conditions (e.g., timing, knowledge, and setting-specific factors). To gain more evidence on distress management as a basis for practical improvements, further evaluations of distress screening are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Götz
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Nursing Science, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Kröner
- Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Glarus AG, Glarus, Switzerland
| | - Josef Jenewein
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Graz, University Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria
- Private Clinic Hohenegg, Meilen, Switzerland and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Spirig
- Department of Nursing Science, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Günther MP, Kirchebner J, Schulze JB, von Känel R, Euler S. Towards identifying cancer patients at risk to miss out on psycho-oncological treatment via machine learning. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13555. [PMID: 35137480 PMCID: PMC9286797 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In routine oncological treatment settings, psychological distress, including mental disorders, is overlooked in 30% to 50% of patients. High workload and a constant need to optimise time and costs require a quick and easy method to identify patients likely to miss out on psychological support. METHODS Using machine learning, factors associated with no consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist were identified between 2011 and 2019 in 7,318 oncological patients in a large cancer treatment centre. Parameters were hierarchically ordered based on statistical relevance. Nested resampling and cross validation were performed to avoid overfitting. RESULTS Patients were least likely to receive psycho-oncological (i.e., psychiatric/psychotherapeutic) treatment when they were not formally screened for distress, had inpatient treatment for less than 28 days, had no psychiatric diagnosis, were aged 65 or older, had skin cancer or were not being discussed in a tumour board. The final validated model was optimised to maximise sensitivity at 85.9% and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, a balanced accuracy of 68.5% and specificity of 51.2%. CONCLUSION Beyond conventional screening tools, results might contribute to identify patients at risk to be neglected in terms of referral to psycho-oncology within routine oncological care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison‐Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Johannes Kirchebner
- Department of Forensic PsychiatryUniversity Hospital of Psychiatry ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison‐Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison‐Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison‐Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Günther MP, Kirchebner J, Schulze JB, Götz A, von Känel R, Euler S. Uncovering Barriers to Screening for Distress in Patients With Cancer via Machine Learning. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2021; 63:163-169. [PMID: 34438098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychologic distress and manifest mental disorders are overlooked in 30-50% of patients with cancer. Accordingly, international cancer treatment guidelines recommend routine screening for distress in order to provide psychologic support to those in need. Yet, institutional and patient-related factors continue to hinder implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate factors, which are associated with no screening for distress in patients with cancer. METHODS Using machine learning, factors associated with lack of distress screening were explored in 6491 patients with cancer between 2011 and 2019 at a large cancer treatment center. Parameters were hierarchically ordered based on statistical relevance. Nested resampling and cross validation were performed to avoid overfitting and to comply with assumptions for machine learning approaches. RESULTS Patients unlikely to be screened were not discussed at a tumor board, had inpatient treatment of less than 28 days, did not consult with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, had no (primary) nervous system cancer, no head and neck cancer, and did have breast or skin cancer. The final validated model was optimized to maximize sensitivity at 83.9%, and achieved a balanced accuracy of 68.9, area under the curve of 0.80, and specificity of 53.9%. CONCLUSION Findings of this study may be relevant to stakeholders at both a clinical and institutional level in order to optimize distress screening rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Johannes Kirchebner
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Götz
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oliveira MA, Guerra MP, Lencastre L, Castro S, Moutinho S, Park CL. Stress-Related Growth Scale-Short Form: A Portuguese validation for cancer patients. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2021; 21:100255. [PMID: 34377147 PMCID: PMC8327339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2021.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Background/Objective Cancer can be extremely disruptive, triggering high levels of distress, and at the same time transformative, promoting perceptions of positive life changes and growth. This study aims to analyze the psychometric proprieties of the Stress-Related Growth Scale Short-Form (SRGS-SF) in cancer patients. Method 209 Cancer patients heterogeneous in disease stage and diagnosis completed: clinical and sociodemographic information, Distress Thermometer, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Visual-analogue Scale of Perceived Positive Life Changes, and Stress-Related Growth Scale-Short Form. Results The analysis of internal structure pointed to an one-dimensional scale, with high reliability (.92) measured through the McDonald`s omega coefficient. Validity was also evidenced through significant correlations with other variables. Conclusions The Portuguese version of the SRGS-SF seems to present the necessary psychometric proprieties to be considered a valid and reliable short tool, to assess perceptions of growth following cancer and contribute to targeted and integrative psycho-oncological interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magda A Oliveira
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.,Cuf Porto Hospital, Portugal
| | - Marina P Guerra
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.,Center for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Portugal
| | - Leonor Lencastre
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Castro
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Oporto, Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Portugal
| | - Susana Moutinho
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Oporto, Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Portugal
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Not seeing the forest for the trees: a systematic review of comprehensive distress management programs and implementation strategies. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2021; 14:220-231. [PMID: 32657813 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Clinically significant distress is common in patients with cancer and if untreated can be associated with adverse outcomes. This article offers a review of current approaches to implementing and reporting the minimum components of distress screening and management interventions in cancer services. RECENT FINDINGS Twenty-two relevant published articles were identified from January 2018 to February 2020. The reporting of recommended minimum components of distress screening and management interventions in these articles was not consistent. The majority of studies used validated tools to conduct initial screening. However, recommendations were either not reported or not followed regarding subsequent pathway components, secondary assessment, referral pathways linked to screening results and rescreening. The majority of studies did not include a description of the implementation of the distress screening program. A small number of studies described a comprehensive set of implementation strategies. SUMMARY Distress screening and management interventions in cancer are an important component of comprehensive cancer care. To improve patient outcomes and guide researchers and services to identify effective models, studies must include and evaluate minimum recommended components and implementation strategies. Addressing these limitations with high-quality, robust interventions is vital for advancing the implementation of effective distress management.
Collapse
|
11
|
Physical Comorbidities and Depression in Recent and Long-Term Adult Cancer Survivors: NHANES 2007-2018. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133368. [PMID: 34282756 PMCID: PMC8268421 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most cancer patients suffer one or more physical comorbidities (other somatic diseases present at the moment of cancer diagnosis). Previous research has shown that these comorbidities can interfere with cancer treatment and shorten the patient’s survival time. We propose that comorbidities could also interfere with the mental health of cancer patients and increase the risk of suffering depression in the years following the cancer diagnosis. We tested this possibility in a study of 2073 adult cancer survivors. We found that the number of physical comorbidities present at the moment of cancer diagnosis was related to higher risk of reporting depression in cancer survivors who were diagnosed up to 5 years before the study. This relationship was strongest among survivors of breast cancer. Information about comorbidities is usually readily available and could be useful in streamlining depression screening or targeting prevention efforts in cancer patients and survivors. Abstract Many adult cancer patients present one or more physical comorbidities. Besides interfering with treatment and prognosis, physical comorbidities could also increase the already heightened psychological risk of cancer patients. To test this possibility, we investigated the relationship between physical comorbidities with depression symptoms in a sample of 2073 adult cancer survivors drawn from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2018) in the U.S. Based on information regarding 16 chronic conditions, the number of comorbidities diagnosed before and after the cancer diagnosis was calculated. The number of comorbidities present at the moment of cancer diagnosis was significantly related to depression risk in recent but not in long-term survivors. Recent survivors who suffered multimorbidity had 3.48 (95% CI 1.26–9.55) times the odds of reporting significant depressive symptoms up to 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. The effect of comorbidities was strongest among survivors of breast cancer. The comorbidities with strongest influence on depression risk were stroke, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and arthritis. Information about comorbidities is usually readily available and could be useful in streamlining depression screening or targeting prevention efforts in cancer patients and survivors. A multidimensional model of the interaction between cancer and other physical comorbidities on mental health is proposed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Günther MP, Schulze JB, Jellestad L, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, von Känel R, Euler S. Mental disorders, length of hospitalization, and psychopharmacy-New approaches to identify barriers to psychological support for patients with cancer. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1773-1781. [PMID: 34089283 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite abundant evidence that emotional distress is frequent in cancer patients and associated with adverse health outcomes, distress screening rates and adequate referrals to psychological support programs among those in need are insufficient in many cancer centers. We therefore aimed to analyze patient- and treatment-related barriers to distress screening and referrals to psychological support as a mandatory component of best-practice cancer care. METHOD In the present explorative study, latent class analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups among 4837 patients diagnosed with cancer between 2011 and 2019. RESULTS Four subgroups were identified. Patients with a mental disorder and psychopharmacology were least probable to be screened for distress. Together with patients aged 65 or older and male patients, they were also less likely to receive psychological support. Patients hospitalized for 28 days or longer were most likely to be both screened and to receive psychological support. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and researchers are recommended not neglect patients with mental disorders and psychopharmacological treatment as well as male and elderly patients when screening for distress and providing access to psychological support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lena Jellestad
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Götz A, Kröner A, Jenewein J, Spirig R. Wie erleben und beurteilen Pflegende das Screening von stationären onkologischen Patient_innen mit dem Belastungsthermometer? Pflege 2021; 34:71-79. [PMID: 33535833 DOI: 10.1024/1012-5302/a000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
How do nurses experience and interpret the screening of hospitalised cancer patients by means of the distress thermometer? - A qualitative study Abstract. Background: People with cancer experience distress and may need professional support. In 2012, the University Hospital Zurich introduced its distress thermometer (DT) screening, whereby all inpatients were to be screened to gauge their support need. However, after five years, the screening rate was 40 % and the referral rate to psycho oncology was 7.9 %, surprisingly low. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was to describe how nurses experience the screening and how they interpret the screening and referral rate. Methods: The evaluation of three focus group interviews with 14 nurses followed the principles of qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results: The analysis revealed four main categories. The first category "Trying to perform useful screening in a complex daily routine" comprises three subcategories: "Using the benefits of screening for comprehensive care", "The best way to recognize the individuality of the counterpart" and "Failing due to structural and personal barriers". Three further main categories addressing nurses' personal attitudes complete the screening experience: "Experiencing fewer difficulties due to competence and experience", "Being careful due to hesitations", and "Reflecting one's responsibility". Conclusions: Nurses want to use the DT. However, they need more practical and scientific support to usefully integrate screening into their everyday life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Götz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zürich, Universitätsspital Zürich.,PhD Programm, Department für Pflegewissenschaft, Universität Witten / Herdecke
| | | | - Josef Jenewein
- Triaplus Ag - Integrierte Psychiatrie Uri, Schwyz und Zug
| | - Rebecca Spirig
- PhD Programm, Department für Pflegewissenschaft, Universität Witten / Herdecke.,Institut für Pflegewissenschaft, Universität Basel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Girgis A, Durcinoska I, Arnold A, Descallar J, Kaadan N, Koh ES, Miller A, Ng W, Carolan M, Della-Fiorentina SA, Avery S, Delaney GP. Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Personalized Treatment and Care (PROMPT-Care): Multicenter Pragmatic Nonrandomized Trial. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19685. [PMID: 33118954 PMCID: PMC7661255 DOI: 10.2196/19685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the acceptability and efficacy of e–patient-reported outcome (ePRO) systems, implementation in routine clinical care remains challenging. Objective This pragmatic trial implemented the PROMPT-Care (Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Personalized Treatment and Care) web-based system into existing clinical workflows and evaluated its effectiveness among a diverse population of patients with cancer. Methods Adult patients with solid tumors receiving active treatment or follow-up care in four cancer centers were enrolled. The PROMPT-Care intervention supported patient management through (1) monthly off-site electronic PRO physical symptom and psychosocial well-being assessments, (2) automated electronic clinical alerts notifying the care team of unresolved clinical issues following two consecutive assessments, and (3) tailored online patient self-management resources. Propensity score matching was used to match controls with intervention patients in a 4:1 ratio for patient age, sex, and treatment status. The primary outcome was a reduction in emergency department presentations. Secondary outcomes were time spent on chemotherapy and the number of allied health service referrals. Results From April 2016 to October 2018, 328 patients from four public hospitals received the intervention. Matched controls (n=1312) comprised the general population of patients with cancer, seen at the participating hospitals during the study period. Emergency department visits were significantly reduced by 33% (P=.02) among patients receiving the intervention compared with patients in the matched controls. No significant associations were found in allied health referrals or time to end of chemotherapy. At baseline, the most common patient reported outcomes (above-threshold) were fatigue (39%), tiredness (38.4%), worry (32.9%), general wellbeing (32.9%), and sleep (24.1%), aligning with the most frequently accessed self-management domain pages of physical well-being (36%) and emotional well-being (23%). The majority of clinical feedback reports were reviewed by nursing staff (729/893, 82%), largely in response to the automated clinical alerts (n=877). Conclusions Algorithm-supported web-based systems utilizing patient reported outcomes in clinical practice reduced emergency department presentations among a diverse population of patients with cancer. This study also highlighted the importance of (1) automated triggers for reviewing above-threshold results in patient reports, rather than passive manual review of patient records; (2) the instrumental role nurses play in managing alerts; and (3) providing patients with resources to support guided self-management, where appropriate. Together, these factors will inform the integration of web-based PRO systems into future models of routine cancer care. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000615482; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370633 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12885-018-4729-3
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afaf Girgis
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ivana Durcinoska
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Arnold
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nasreen Kaadan
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eng-Siew Koh
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Miller
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, Australia.,Centre for Oncology Informatics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Weng Ng
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Carolan
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Stephen A Della-Fiorentina
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.,Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandra Avery
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoff P Delaney
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
IJsbrandy C, Ottevanger PB, Gerritsen WR, van Harten WH, Hermens RPMG. Determinants of adherence to physical cancer rehabilitation guidelines among cancer patients and cancer centers: a cross-sectional observational study. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 15:163-177. [PMID: 32986232 PMCID: PMC7822788 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To tailor implementation strategies that maximize adherence to physical cancer rehabilitation (PCR) guidelines, greater knowledge concerning determinants of adherence to those guidelines is needed. To this end, we assessed the determinants of adherence to PCR guidelines in the patient and cancer center. METHODS We investigated adherence variation of PCR guideline-based indicators regarding [1] screening with the Distress Thermometer (DT), [2] information provision concerning physical activity (PA) and physical cancer rehabilitation programs (PCRPs), [3] advice to take part in PA and PCRPs, [4] referral to PCRPs, [5] participation in PCRPs, and [6] PA uptake (PAU) in nine cancer centers. Furthermore, we assessed patient and cancer center characteristics as possible determinants of adherence. Regression analyses were used to determine associations between guideline adherence and patient and cancer center characteristics. In these analyses, we assumed the patient (level 1) nested within the cancer center (level 2). RESULTS Nine hundred and ninety-nine patients diagnosed with cancer between January 2014 and June 2015 were included. Of the 999 patients included in the study, 468 (47%) received screening with the DT and 427 (44%) received information provision concerning PA and PCRPs. Subsequently, 550 (56%) patients were advised to take part in PA and PCRPs, which resulted in 174 (18%) official referrals. Ultimately, 280 (29%) patients participated in PCRPs, and 446 (45%) started PAU. Screening with the DT was significantly associated with information provision concerning PA and PCRPs (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.47-2.71), advice to take part in PA and PCRPs (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.31-2.45), referral to PCRPs (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.18-2.78), participation in PCRPs (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.43-2.91), and PAU (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.25-2.29). Younger age, male gender, breast cancer as the tumor type, ≥2 cancer treatments, post-cancer treatment weight gain/loss, employment, and fatigue were determinants of guideline adherence. Less variation in scores of the indicators between the different cancer centers was found. This variation between centers was too low to detect any association between center characteristics with the indicators. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of PCR guidelines is in need of improvement. We found determinants at the patient level associated with guideline-based PCR care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Implementation strategies that deal with the determinants of adherence to PCR guidelines might improve the implementation of PCR guidelines and the quality of life of cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte IJsbrandy
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500, HB, The Netherlands. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Petronella B Ottevanger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Winald R Gerritsen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H van Harten
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Technology and Services Research, MB-HTSR, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Rosella P M G Hermens
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500, HB, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Götz A, Kröner A, Jenewein J, Spirig R. Adherence to the distress screening through oncology nurses and integration of screening results into the nursing process to adapt psychosocial nursing care five years after implementation. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 45:101725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
17
|
Abstract
Given the high prevalence (30-35%) of psychosocial and psychiatric morbidity amongst cancer patients in any phase of the disease trajectory, screening for emotional problems and disorders has become mandatory in oncology. As a process, screening begins at the entry to the cancer care system and continues at clinically meaningful times, periodically during active cancer care, or when clinically indicated. The goal is to facilitate proper referral to psychosocial oncology specialists for more specific assessment and care, as well as treatment and evaluation of the response, according to the implementation of distress management guidelines. In this editorial, we will provide a non-exhaustive overview of relevant protocols, with particular reference to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Management in Oncology Guidelines, and review the challenges and the problems in implementing screening, and the assessment and management of psychosocial and psychiatric problems in cancer centres and community care.
Collapse
|