Distress predicts utilization of psychosocial health services in oncology patients

Jessica Hamilton; Emily B Kroska

doi:10.1002/pon.4910

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Distress predicts utilization of psychosocial health services in oncology patients

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Distress predicts utilization of psychosocial health services in oncology patients

Jessica Hamilton and Emily B Kroska

Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England), Vol.28(1), pp.61-67

01/2019

DOI: 10.1002/pon.4910

PMID: 30286522

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https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4910View

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Abstract

The prevalence of increased distress among cancer patients has been well established and is known to be associated with negative consequences. Limited research has examined the association between distress and utilization of services, however, which is critical to understanding whether measurements of distress are being used to optimize patient care in the context of cancer. One thousand two hundred thirteen adult cancer patients completed the Distress Thermometer and Patient Needs Assessment early in their cancer care. Electronic medical record (EMR)-abstracted data included psychosocial service utilization in the 12 months following the completion of these psychosocial metrics. Logistic regressions followed by t tests were completed to assess if distress or unmet needs were affiliated with service utilization rates. When controlling for age, distress significantly predicted service utilization rates overall. Follow-up t tests suggest that use of social work and registered dietician services was higher among those with distress scores greater than 6. When assessing unmet needs, utilization rates were positively associated with number of unmet needs, specifically for social work and dieticians. Distress and unmet needs were related to higher rates of psychosocial service utilization during the 12 months following assessment of symptoms. These results support the continued mandate for evaluation of distress and suggest that psychosocial screening may be assisting in directing referrals and enhancing comprehensive care for patients. As psychosocial services grow, the need for continued evaluation is recommended to determine if psychology and chaplaincy services are utilized at higher rates as available providers increase.

Adult

Female

Health Services Needs and Demand

Humans

Male

Mass Screening

Middle Aged

Neoplasms - complications

Neoplasms - psychology

Prevalence

Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data

Social Support

Stress, Psychological - etiology

Stress, Psychological - psychology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Distress predicts utilization of psychosocial health services in oncology patients
Creators: Jessica Hamilton - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Emily B Kroska - Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England), Vol.28(1), pp.61-67
DOI: 10.1002/pon.4910
PMID: 30286522
NLM abbreviation: Psychooncology
ISSN: 1057-9249
eISSN: 1099-1611
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100006727, name: University of Kansas Medical Center
Language: English
Date published: 01/2019
Academic Unit: Psychological and Brain Sciences
Record Identifier: 9984213393702771

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