Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the oncology psychosocial distress screening score data over a 7-month period and make recommendations to appropriate professionals for improvements using those results. Scores of 4 or higher on a 10-point scale had social work follow-up.
Background: The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer requires that providers evaluate patients for emotional and psychological distress, then provide appropriate referrals for assistance and support. The Portland VAMC started screening in July 2014.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed.
Data Analysis: In the 31-week review period, there were 148 working days. Of the 123 screens completed, 40% of the screens scored 0 to 3 on a 10-point scale, 24% scored 4 to 5, and 36% scored 6 to 10. The least distressed groups were the ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck cancer patients with 71% scoring at the low end of the scale (0-3). Thirty-seven percent of patients with lung cancer scored in the 0 to 3 range, and 24% all other cancers grouped together were in the low range.
Results: Patients with ENT cancers had an opportunity to attend a multidisciplinary team treatment meeting, and there was an increased time between diagnosis and the first treatment of 2 to 3 weeks vs 1 week for other cancer diagnoses. These patients had more time for increased education about their disease, prognosis, and treatment plan, and all pretreatment planning was completed. They also were able to complete any other pretreatment procedures, such as dental extractions and feeding tube placements as needed.
Conclusions: We recommend implementation of a more inclusive, comprehensive multidisciplinary team for other specialties and more intensive pretreatment education and care.