One-minute time interval estimation as a novel potent indicator of need for help in cancer patients prior to starting chemotherapy.

Abstract

e23161 Background: Perception of time strongly correlates with people’s current emotional state. Our study explored the potential relationship between the time estimation and the need of help in cancer patients prior to starting chemotherapy. Methods: Time estimation was assessed in 375 chemonaïve patients with solid tumors by evaluating each subject’s prospective estimation of how fast one minute passed compared to the actual time. The median value (40 sec) of time estimation was used to stratify the patients into two categories of fast and slow time estimation. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List were used at the beginning of treatment to evaluate levels of distress and patients’ concerns. Additional question was asked “Do you need help?”. Results: Patients who reported the need of help were 134 (35.7%). The need of help correlated with fast time estimation, high level of distress and younger age (< 65y). Patients who reported a need of help estimated time significantly faster than those who did not report it (37.2±15.5 vs 42.7±17.2; p = 0.004). ROC analysis revealed that at the optimal cutoff value of time estimation, patients who reported a need of help and those who did not can be discriminated with an AUC = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.53-0.65, p = 0.003) and with a sensitivity of 61.9% and a specificity of 50.6%. Moreover, in a multivariate logistic regression model, fast time estimation was an independent predictor of reporting the need of help (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.02-2.45; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Time estimation is a novel potent indicator for the need of help in cancer patients. This test is an easily performed, time-saving and nonintrusive ultrashort screening tool for the need of help that is even suitable for patients who are not willing to reveal their need of help via direct questionnaires.