Biopsychosocial distress screening using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer (DT) and patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) in an academic genitourinary (GU) medical oncology practice.

Abstract

350 Background: The NCCN defines “distress” as a “multifactorial…emotional experience…that may interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and its treatment.” NCCN DT scores ≥ 4 on a scale of 1-10 are associated with increased biopsychosocial distress among oncology patients. We piloted the use of an electronic tool for distress screening in an academic GU medical oncology practice to determine feasibility and impact on workflow. Methods: At each clinic visit, patients completed a modified NCCN DT with distress score only and pain interference, depression, and anxiety PROMIS domains on an iPad before meeting the clinician. Results were immediately available in the electronic medical record. Results: Between July 1, and August 31, 2015, 108 assessments were completed by 73 patients; 12% were new patients and 88% were follow-ups. Patients ranged from 30 to 93 years of age. Mean DT score was 3.67 [standard deviation (SD) 2.79]. DT scores of ≥ 4 were reported in 41% of assessments. Mean distress scores based on cancer stage were: stages 1-3, 4.04 (SD 2.96; N = 23); and stage 4, 3.56 (SD 2.75; N = 85). Mean distress scores based on cancer diagnosis were: prostate, 3.20 (SD 2.38; N = 46); urothelial, 3.97 (SD 3.35; N = 33); kidney, 3.92 (SD 2.55; N = 24); and testicular, 4.80 (SD 3.42; N = 5). Mean T scores for each of the PROMIS domains were: pain interference, 54.16 (SD 10.28; N = 103); depression, 49.54 (SD 8.95; N = 101), and anxiety, 50.79 (SD 9.37; N = 101). Median time to assessment completion was 3.77 minutes (mean 6.15 minutes). Mean times by age groups were: 50-59, 7.65 minutes (N = 21); 60-69, 5.57 (N = 48); 70-79, 11.61 (N = 16); and ≥ 80, 10.21 (N = 12). Conclusions: Electronic biopsychosocial distress screening at each clinic visit is feasible and has minimal impact on workflow. Pain interference but neither anxiety nor depression scores were increased in this population. Future research is needed on the influence of cancer stage and type on distress and on the associations between NCCN DT and PROMIS scores.