Psycho-oncology care in breast cancer centres: a nationwide survey

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe psycho-oncological care structures and processes in German breast cancer centres from the perspective of the centre administration.MethodsThe findings are based on a postal survey of a representative random sample of surgical sites of certified breast cancer centres in Germany. Data were collected in 2013 and 2014. The questionnaire included questions about infrastructure, patient information standards, psycho-oncological services and aspects of organisational culture. Data analyses included frequencies, means and bivariate relationships.ResultsThe return rate was 88.3% (53 hospital sites). Psycho-oncological care is provided by permanent employees in 87%. The average number of full-time-equivalent employees (FTE) is 1.23. Most breast cancer centres engage the occupational group of psycho-oncologists for psycho-oncological care (90%), followed by the medical service (80%) and breast care nurses (78%) (multiple answers were possible). The correlation coefficient between FTEs and surgical treatments per year is not significant (r=0.292, p=0.051). Hospitals are screening every inpatient for the need of psycho-oncological support in 76% of all sites. Frequently used screening instruments are distress thermometer (19%), clinical interview (13%) and basic psycho-oncological documentation (11%).ConclusionOur data provide insights into the self-reported structural and procedural quality of psycho-oncological care in German breast cancer centres. Further research should examine patient and caregiver perspective on the psycho-oncological services provided by breast cancer centres.

Psycho-Oncological Care Provision in Highly Distressed Breast Cancer Patients

“…Trevino et al showed that only 24.6 % of BC patients stage 0-III with anxiety received psychological counseling during adjuvant treatment in New York [14]. Another German survey determined a provision of psycho-oncological care in 86.8 % of all cases [15].…”

Evaluation of psychological distress is essential for patients with locally advanced breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: baseline findings from cohort study

“…In the routine practice of health professionals, these psychological problems must be assessed by using appropriate tools, such as HADS. Numerous publications [ 68 – 75 ] have also highlighted the importance of nursing practices, not only in assessing psychological states but also in implementing psychological interventions.…”

Evaluation of an Expert Guided Integrative Therapy Concept in Patients With Breast or Gynecological Cancer During Systemic Therapy

“…While 20-70% women who survived breast cancer need psychological support and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this patient group is very high, a survey showed that 13% of participating German breast cancer centers are not offering psycho-oncological support by permanent employees. [47][48][49] Comparing the ZIGG program with other integrative oncology programs in Germany breast and gynecological cancer centers you will find some differences. At Klinikum Essen-Mitte, the integrative oncology program is offered within a cooperation of the Breast Center and the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine.…”

“…While 20-70% women who survived breast cancer need psychological support and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this patient group is very high, a survey showed that 13% of participating German breast cancer centers are not offering psycho-oncological support by permanent employees. 47 - 49 …”