The first results of targeted screening with a distress thermometer and initiation of psycho-oncological care of cancer patients.

Abstract

113 Background: Tumor disease has not only somatic but also psychological impact on patients with complete change of life dimension. This resonates not only to the patients, their relatives and friends, but also to the therapy. A precise screening helps to determine the stress factor, to capture the psychological comorbidity and to initiate an early psycho-social care. Methods: 420 patients with various tumors got since October 2011 in the Urological Clinic of Aachen University Hospital screening using a Distress Thermometer. 410 patients were stationary and 10 patients came to the outpatient (ambulant) chemotherapy. 23 of the 40 questions of the Distress Thermometer depend on somatic complaints of patients. The other 17 questions cover the psycho-social problems. Results: 141 of the 420 patients reported to have a low stress level by the tumor. 139 patients showed, according to the Distress Thermometer, an average and 140 patients significantly higher stress level. This means that 279 of the 420 patients need a psycho-oncological counseling and possibly even further care and treatment. The most common entered symptoms were fears, nervousness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, sadness and worry. Depending on the wishes of the patient the psycho-oncological consultation was initiated. Only completing the Distress Thermometer helps the patient to face their problems and worries and makes perhaps the first great step in the perception of the disease. Since January 2012 a new component was inserted into the discharge reports of the tumor patients. This component contains the recommendation, depending on the result of the Distress Thermometer, to start if necessary the professional psycho-oncological support. That gives the patients a sense of security and a feeling not to fight alone against the disease. Conclusions: A targeted screening and an interdisciplinary, together with psycho-oncologists, care to cancer patients support them and their families at all stages of the disease, helps to deal with the new life situation and can possibly also increase the patient's compliance and the therapeutic response.