Rathi Mahendran1,2, Haikel A Lim2, Joanne Chua1, Siew Eng Lim3, Ee Heok Kua1,2. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore. 2. Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. 3. National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.
Abstract
AIMS: Psychosocial needs are high among cancer patients, and screening for these is recognized as integral to quality cancer care. This study identified the psychosocial needs of cancer patients at their first visit at a hematology-oncology clinic. METHODS: Fifty-four new consecutive patients completed the Distress Thermometer and the Problem List, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the EuroQol Quality of Life Scale at their first visit to plan for chemotherapy. Data were analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that participants had an average of 2.8 ± 2.3 problems, with 82% having psychosocial needs. Emotional concerns formed the top four psychosocial needs of the cohort (worry 46%, fears 26%, nervousness 26%, sadness 24%), with the fifth being a practical concern (insurance/finance 22%). The former were more frequent among 41- to 50-year-olds and significantly correlated with distress scores. Practical concerns were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. Family concerns were more significant in women. The overall score on the Problem List correlated with distress, anxious symptomatology and poorer quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS: Distress and psychosocial needs are high in cancer patients even at an early stage prior to chemotherapy. Attention to these needs is crucial as they cause significant distress and affect the patient's quality of life.
AIMS: Psychosocial needs are high among cancerpatients, and screening for these is recognized as integral to quality cancer care. This study identified the psychosocial needs of cancerpatients at their first visit at a hematology-oncology clinic. METHODS: Fifty-four new consecutive patients completed the Distress Thermometer and the Problem List, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the EuroQol Quality of Life Scale at their first visit to plan for chemotherapy. Data were analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that participants had an average of 2.8 ± 2.3 problems, with 82% having psychosocial needs. Emotional concerns formed the top four psychosocial needs of the cohort (worry 46%, fears 26%, nervousness 26%, sadness 24%), with the fifth being a practical concern (insurance/finance 22%). The former were more frequent among 41- to 50-year-olds and significantly correlated with distress scores. Practical concerns were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. Family concerns were more significant in women. The overall score on the Problem List correlated with distress, anxious symptomatology and poorer quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS: Distress and psychosocial needs are high in cancerpatients even at an early stage prior to chemotherapy. Attention to these needs is crucial as they cause significant distress and affect the patient's quality of life.
Authors: Rathi Mahendran; Haikel A Lim; Joyce Y S Tan; Joanne Chua; Siew Eng Lim; Emily N K Ang; Ee Heok Kua Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2015-05-23 Impact factor: 3.603