Background
There are a number of distress scoring instruments available to screen distress in cancer patients and the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT) is the most widely validated.3-7 The Victorian Cancer Action Plan 2008-2011 recommend that a minimum of 50% of new patients should be screened for distress.8
Methods
We undertook an audit to see the compliance with the Victorian Cancer Action plan in GVH Peter Copulos Cancer Center.All newly diagnosed solid tumour patients who attended the clinic between October 2013 and May 2014 were identified using the GVH electronic patient records.
Results
A total of 160 patients with solid malignancies found and the median age was 66 years (Range: 58–76 years).The most common malignancies in this cohort were breast (36.3%), lower gastrointestinal (20%), urogenital (10.1%),and upper gastrointestinal (8.2%).Supportive care screening was conducted at the first visit 82.5% of the time. Approximately one third (34.8%) of patients who were screened at their first visit were referred to a specialist service. Of note, 61.3% of the total population were referred to a specialist service.
Discussion
Distress and more severe forms of psychological morbidity are common among patients with cancer which often go unnoticed if no screening is done.As far as distress screening of newly diagnosed patients , the above audit of practice highlights that the GVH Peter Copulos Cancer Centre is performing well (82.5%). It should be noted that in some cases patients were referred without being screened.
Conclusion
Screening of distress in cancer patients at the GVH Peter Copulos Cancer Centre is embedded in to the routine clinical practice and allowing appropriate referrals to services to address the needs of the patients. Continued audits of practice are encouraged to ensure the highest quality of holistic care is provided for the patients who attend this regional specialist oncology clinic.