Psychosocial Distress Screening in Oncology

1. What is the decision or change you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?

We are interested in understanding the value and impact of psychosocial distress screening in oncology, and how the impact of screening can inform recommendations for frequency of follow-up rescreening and support.

2. Why are you struggling with this issue?

Studies seem to be conflicting in their demonstration of the value of distress screening in oncology, even though screening and assessment is a critical initial step in most medical and psychosocial care settings. Practice reluctance to adopt screening seems to contribute to the limited number of studies that look at this issue. The confusion may be further compounded by many sites using a single-item rating scale of distress which provides little specificity to providers in knowing what topics and unmet needs to address. Additionally problems may include lack of EMR integration or clinician understanding of referral pathways and available community-based supportive services, especially in care settings with fewer resources. This conflicting information contributes to confusion around best practice recommendations for timing of rescreening and additional follow-up.

3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?

Clearer understanding of benefit of psychosocial distress screening; redefining psychosocial distress screening so that health care workers understand this is not referring to emotional distress alone but also critical practical, social, and physical unmet needs; understanding of what evidence base is needed to help care settings make informed decisions around timing of rescreening and follow-up.

4. When do you need the evidence report?

Thu, 12/31/2020

5. What will you do with the evidence report?

This report will directly inform practice and implementation at our organization, which is the largest provider of free cancer psychosocial care in the US, as well as inform next steps in planning our own research agenda within our network as well as with hospital and health care partners.

(Optional) About You

What is your role or perspective? Behavioral Scientist

If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization: Cancer Support Community

May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination? Yes