Psychosocial Distress Screening in a Community Cancer Center: An Exploratory Study of Distress Screening Across the Cancer Treatment Continuum

Purpose: The primary goal of this exploratory study is to demonstrate that distress screening across the course of cancer treatment is possible and provides valuable information about patient needs over time. Distress screening is aligned with guidelines from national accrediting organizations and may lead to improved health-related quality of life, satisfaction with medical care, and possibly survival.Methods: Medical, surgical, and radiation oncology patients completed a screening instrument before their appointments during a six-month period. Patients indicated their level of distress on four domains (practical, emotional, health and social concerns). De-identified data was collected, aggregated and descriptive statistics were analyzed.Results: Approximately 3000 screens were collected and 1500 cancer patients were screened. Of patients who indicated distress, 54% demonstrated a distress level of five or greater. Distress level eight was the most frequent level of distress indicated. The Cancer Dietitian was the most commonly requested healthcare team provider. The Health Concern domain was most frequently endorsed.Conclusion: NCCN, IOM and COC guidelines recommend distress screening in all cancer treatment centers, however implementation has proven difficult. This study adds to the literature about distress in cancer patients, demonstrates the feasibility of repeated distress screening and provides a model program demonstrating the implementation of repeated distress screening at a community cancer center. Findings highlight the importance of supportive oncology services due to the prevalence of high levels of distress. Findings demonstrate the importance of the Cancer Dietitian in supportive cancer care. Additionally, the research reveals a potential perceived stigma in seeking psychosocial oncology services.

1996 state data book on long term care program and market characteristics /

"This research was funded by the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development."

Alzheimer's disease family care center outline guide /

Cover title: Long term care research and demonstration projects final reports, 1986.

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Description based on: 1984.

Case managed care planning : a research and demonstration project : final report /

On cover: New horizons in long term care.

Fiscal year ... Illinois salary and staffing survey : child care centers and family child care home providers /

The Illinois Dept. of Human Services is required by the legislative rule (20 ILCS 505/5.15) to conduct a survey of licensed child care facilities every two years.

Health facilities directory.

Caption title.

How to select a nursing home and alternatives to nursing home : care - a guide.

Bibliography: p. 28-29.

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Title from caption.

Long-term care annual report to the General Assembly.

Title from cover.

Long-term care facility survey, Illinois, 1984/85 /

"June, 1986."

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Research conducted by Abt Associates.

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Authorized by the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act.

The Illinois state survey and plan for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities (P.L. 725 and P.L. 482) /

Description based on: 16th annual revision (1964)

The long term care constellation : recommendations of the Community-Based Long Term Care Reform Task Force to Governor Jim Edgar.

January 1996.