Screening in Psycho-oncology---Need for Psycho-oncological and Psycho-social Care of Oncological Patients: A Pilot Survey Using the Hornheider Questionnaire

Aim/object: The aim of this survey was to identify psycho-oncological and psycho-social need in the routine patient care of oncological patients. Material and Methods: A total of 200 oncological patients underwent the paper-based Hornheider questionnaire, a validated instrument to identify the need of psycho-oncological and psycho-social care at first contact. Hornheider sum-scores ≥4 were considered to indicate psycho-oncological and psycho-social need. Results: Overall, 149 (75%; 68 women and 81 men, 74 ≥ 65 and 75 < 65 years) questionnaires were correctly filled out and returned. Hornheider sum-scores were ≥4 in 47 patients, i.e. in 31,7%. Psycho-oncological and psycho-social need did not differ significantly between women and men (57,5% vs. 42,5%; p=0,732) but was significantly higher in patients <65 years than in those ≥65 years (66% vs. 34%; p=0,002). Discussion: The results of this pilot project show that a high proportion of oncological patients are in need of psycho-oncological and psycho-social support; this in particular holds true for younger patients.