Detecting Distress: Introducing Routine Screening in a Gynecologic Cancer Setting.

BACKGROUND Cancer results in a wide range of challenges that contribute to patient distress. Detecting distress in patients can result in improved patient outcomes, and early intervention can avoid patients having unmet needs. OBJECTIVES The aims were to determine the prevalence of distress in patients with gynecologic cancers, identify specific problems, and explore staff perceptions of distress screening. METHODS A mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected on distress levels and problems. Qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals. FINDINGS Sixty-six percent of women scored 4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer, which was used as the indicator for follow-up or referral. A third reported low distress, and the same proportion was highly distressed. The top five problems identified by participants were nervousness, worry, fears, fatigue, and sleep problems.