Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors

Morasso, Gabriella; Leo, Silvia Di; Caruso, Anita; DeCensi, Andrea; Beccaro, Monica; Berretta, L.; Bongiorno, Laura; Cosimelli, Maurizio; Finelli, Stefania; Rondanina, Gabriella; Santoni, Wissya; Stigliano, V.; Costantini, Massimo

doi:10.1007/s00520-009-0777-1

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…However, Boyes and colleagues reported that giving physicians feedback about patients' psychosocial well-being rarely contributed to physicians' decision making about patient management [ 28 ]. Furthermore, contrary to other studies [ 31 , 36 - 41 ], our results showed that when offered during the first consultation, the majority of the patients (63.6%) accepted psychosocial care. It seemed that receiving psychosocial support was acceptable for patients at that time point.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

The usefulness and feasibility of a screening instrument to identify psychosocial problems in patients receiving curative radiotherapy: a process evaluation

et al. 2011

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BackgroundPsychosocial problems in cancer patients are often unrecognized and untreated due to the low awareness of the existence of these problems or pressures of time. The awareness of the need to identify psychosocial problems in cancer patients is growing and has affected the development of screening instruments. This study explored the usefulness and feasibility of using a screening instrument (SIPP: Screening Inventory of Psychosocial Problems) to identify psychosocial problems in cancer patients receiving curative radiotherapy treatment (RT).MethodsThe study was conducted in a radiation oncology department in the Netherlands. Several methods were used to document the usefulness and feasibility of the SIPP. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires completed by seven radiotherapists and 268 cancer patients.ResultsRegarding the screening procedure 33 patients were offered to consult a psychosocial care provider (e.g. social worker, psychologist) during the first consultation with their radiotherapist. Of these patients, 31 patients suffered from at least sub-clinical symptoms and two patients hardly suffered from any symptoms. Patients' acceptance rate 63.6% (21/33) was high. Patients were positive about the content of the SIPP (mean scores vary from 8.00 to 8.88, out of a range between 0 and 10) and about the importance of discussing items of the SIPP with their radiotherapist (mean score = 7.42). Radiotherapists' perspectives about the contribution of the SIPP to discuss the different psychosocial problems were mixed (mean scores varied from 3.17 to 4.67). Patients were more positive about discussing items of the SIPP if the radiotherapists had positive attitudes towards screening and discussing psychosocial problems.ConclusionsThe screening procedure appeared to be feasible in a radiotherapy department. In general, patients' perspectives were at least moderate. Radiotherapists considered the usefulness and feasibility of the SIPP generally to be lower, but their evaluations were mixed. A positive attitude to using screening instruments like the SIPP needs to be encouraged among radiotherapists, as this may not only improve the usefulness of a screening instrument, but also patients' satisfaction with care.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00859768

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

The usefulness and feasibility of a screening instrument to identify psychosocial problems in patients receiving curative radiotherapy: a process evaluation

et al. 2011

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“…To be successful, screening programs must not only identify cases but change their subsequent management . However, although 50–70% of patients indicate that they are aware of resources to assist with distress, less than a quarter report using these services . We have previously demonstrated that 60–70% of patients who reported experiencing distress declined assistance , and we were concerned to investigate the reasons for this.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why do oncology outpatients who report emotional distress decline help?

et al. 2014

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Two common patient barriers to help with distress are a preference for self-help and a belief that distress is not sufficiently severe to warrant intervention. These beliefs were held by a sizeable proportion of individuals who reported very high levels of distress. Qualitative research and subsequent interventions for overcoming these barriers are required to obtain the most benefit from distress screening programs.

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“…Effective treatments for distress exist . However, even when services to assist with distress are available, their use is by no means universal . Although many (50‐70%) patients report being aware of resources, far fewer (<25%) have actually accessed them .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of desire for help in oncology outpatients reporting pain or distress

et al. 2012

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Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors

Cited by 12 publications

References 31 publications

The usefulness and feasibility of a screening instrument to identify psychosocial problems in patients receiving curative radiotherapy: a process evaluation

The usefulness and feasibility of a screening instrument to identify psychosocial problems in patients receiving curative radiotherapy: a process evaluation

Why do oncology outpatients who report emotional distress decline help?

Predictors of desire for help in oncology outpatients reporting pain or distress

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