Routine screening for psychological distress on an Australian inpatient haematology and oncology ward: impact on use of psychosocial services.

OBJECTIVE To describe the outcomes and clinical experience of a 12-week pilot study of routine distress screening of newly admitted patients to an acute haematology and oncology ward. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING Bedside measurement of psychological distress, and collection of demographic and clinical data for 115 newly admitted patients in an acute haematology and oncology ward of The Alfred hospital in Melbourne between 5 June and 25 August 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Psychosocial distress as measured by the Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist, and 18-item Brief Symptom Inventory; rate of referral to psychology and social work services in the 12 weeks before and 12 weeks during the pilot study; ward staff feedback on the benefits and challenges associated with routine distress screening. RESULTS 51% of patients were identified as being significantly distressed, of whom 47% had not received psychosocial support before screening. A significantly higher number of emotional and physical problems were reported by significantly distressed patients. Referrals to psychology and social work services during the pilot study increased, highlighting that screening directed more patients into care. Staff were generally positive about the ability of routine screening to help them care for their patients, and most agreed that some form of routine screening should continue. CONCLUSION The use of routine distress screening by inpatient cancer services can significantly improve their capacity to offer psychosocial care.