Psychosocial distress in oncology: using the distress thermometer for assessing risk classes

Cormio, Claudia; Caporale, Francesca; Spatuzzi, Roberta; Lagattolla, Fulvia; Lisi, Antonella; Graziano, Giusi

doi:10.1007/s00520-019-04694-4

Cited by 21 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Based on our model, the high distress score in the palliative care patients was associated with a young age and degree of dysfunctionality (ECOG 3 confined to bed or chair for more than 50% of waking hours) as reported by Goulia et al (2012), Waller et al (2013), andCormio et al (2019). Similarly, Guan et al (2019) reported that the poorer the Karnofsky Performance Status as influencing factor, the higher the DT score.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 75%

Associated factors of distress in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective study

2020

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Objective The objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial distress and associated factors in advanced cancer patients consulting at the outpatient Palliative Care Unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City. Design A retrospective study was conducted using electronic records (June 2015 to December 2016). Sample A total of 646 patients with advanced cancer during their first visit to the outpatient palliative care unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico were evaluated using the Distress Thermometer (DT) and ECOG performance status scores. Findings Overall, 62% were women, with a median age of 57 years, and married (54.8%). The most frequent diagnosis was gastrointestinal cancer (28.6%), and 38.9% had a functional performance status of ECOG 2. The median DT score was 4.0 (IQR = 2–6), with 56% reporting DT scores ≥4. The three most frequent problems ≥4 were sadness (82.6%), feeling weak (81.2%), worry (79.6%), and <4 were feeling weak (57.7%), fatigue (55.6%), and financial security (52.1%). The variables associated with distress according to the multiple logistic regression analysis were problems with housing (OR = 2.661, 95% CI = 1.538–4.602), sadness (OR = 2.533, 95% CI = 1.615–3.973), transportation (OR = 1.732, 95% CI = 1.157–2.591), eating (OR = 1.626, 95% CI = 1.093–2.417), nervousness (OR = 1.547, 95% CI = 1.014–2.360), and sleep (OR = 1.469, 95% CI = 1.980–2.203). Conclusion The principal factors were related to distress levels, housing problems, transportation issues, and emotional problems such as sadness, nervousness, lower functionality, and younger age. Therefore, psychosocial support is of considerable relevance in palliative care. These findings will help clinicians understand the distress of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care in Latin American countries.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 75%

Associated factors of distress in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective study

2020

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“…Cormio et al (2018) identified three distinct distress‐risk classes and found diagnosis to be the best differentiating variable. The highest risk of distress was reported for breast, lung, genitourinary, or hematologic cancer patients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distress in cancer patients: Who are the main groups at risk?

et al. 2020

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Objectives: Psychosocial distress is common in cancer patients and survivors and encompasses a broad range of concerns and psychological symptoms. The aim of the current study was to identify subgroups of respondents who experience a specific constellation of distress symptoms.Methods: This study uses data from a large data base (n = 21 680) of cancer patients from diverse settings who provided data in the Questionnaire on Distress in Cancer Patients-Short Form (QSC-R10). Cluster analysis was applied to identify subgroups with a distinct constellation of distress symptoms. Results:The results showed five distinct clusters: minimally distressed patients (46.6% of the sample), highly distressed patients (12.7%), mainly physically distressed patients (15.2%), mainly psychologically distressed patients (15.6%), and mainly socially distressed patients (9.9%). These groups differed with regard to age, sex, cancer site, treatment setting, and disease progression. Conclusion:The results revealed large heterogeneity in the experience of distress.Distress clusters were associated with socio-demographic and clinical variables.These associations might aid a clinician to tailor interventions and to address specific types of distress. K E Y W O R D Scancer, cluster analysis, distress screening, oncology, psycho-oncology, psychosocial distress

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“…As healthcare professionals, we should demand that this population group is provided with appropriate care (both in person and online). We recommend the implementation of relatively simple measures such as Distress Thermometers 54 or the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, 55 and their application by telematics channels.…”

Section: Implications For Psychosocial Oncologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on Spanish oncological patients: a quantitative approach

Agua

Pérez

Gázquez

et al. 2021

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

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Background: This study analyses the levels of distress and related psychosocial factors among cancer patients during the Spanish lockdown due to COVID-19. Methods: A total of 2,779 cancer patients took part in an observational and lateral study carried out between April 16, 2020 and April 25, 2020. An online questionnaire was distributed including distress-related variables, demographic variables, clinical variables about their oncological condition, socioeconomic variables and variables related to information management and social communication. Distress was measured according to the Kessler (K-6) scale, and its relationship with the remaining variables was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: 33.5% of the patients yielded levels of clinical distress during lockdown. Younger patients and women yielded significantly higher levels of distress. High distress levels were generally associated with the following factors: trust in medical institutions; deterioration of the household's financial conditions; and media management of the information about the pandemic. Conclusions: The lockdown triggered by COVID-19 increased distress among cancer patients, and this can be significantly related to a number of variables. Identifying distress, and said factors, at an early stage can help to develop mitigation strategies. Similarly, early detection can help to improve the way information is shared with patients, offer them support and resources and direct them to psychosocial services, increasing the patient's ability to return to normal after COVID-19.

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Psychosocial distress in oncology: using the distress thermometer for assessing risk classes

Cited by 21 publications

References 29 publications

Associated factors of distress in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective study

Associated factors of distress in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective study

Distress in cancer patients: Who are the main groups at risk?

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on Spanish oncological patients: a quantitative approach

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