Geerse, O.P., Hoekstra-Weebers, J., Stokroos, M.H., Burgerhof, J.G.M., Groen, H.J.M., Kerstjens, H.A.M., & Hiltermann, T.J.N. (2017). Structural distress screening and supportive care for patients with lung cancer on systemic therapy: A randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Cancer, 72, 37–45.
To examine effects of routine distress screening and referral on patient’s mood, satisfaction, and quality of life
Patients were randomized to receive the routine screening or usual care. Study assessment were done at outpatient visits weeks 1, 7, 13, and 25 after study entry. Usual care involved medical care and psychosocial care by the physician; psychosocial care was not integrated and referrals for psychosocial care were based on physician judgment. There was no structural distress screening. In the screening group, patients completed the Distress Thermometer and Problem List at each clinic visit. For scores of 4 or greater, patients were offered referral to an appropriate provider.
PHASE OF CARE: Active anti-tumor treatment
RCT
There were no differences between groups in study outcome results for quality of life, depression, or anxiety. There were no differences in hospitalizations or ED visits between groups.
Findings did not show that routine distress screening and provision of care based on screening had any effect.
This study did not show any significant differences in patient outcomes due to implementation of routine distress screening and associated supportive care referral.