THE MEASURE OF DISTRESS
A practical thermometer for outpatient screening

Sandie Larouche, BScN, MScN and Linda Edgar, N, PhD

Reports of distress among cancer patients in outpatient settings place its prevalence at between 28% and 35%.1-4 Further, as many as 30% of cancer patients also develop signs and symptoms of clinical depression.5-7

 

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Top-line summary
It is well known that the diagnosis of cancer and its treatments cause both physical and emotional suffering that hugely affect quality of life. Ways to efficiently evaluate levels and types of distress are needed to help mobilize those resources that will best serve the needs of people with cancer. This article presents research conducted in 2 Montréal oncology outpatient clinics on the “Distress Thermometer,” a tool specifically designed to screen patient distress. The researchers analyzed patient self-reports, compared assessments done by nurses with those of their patients, and evaluated the tool’s suitability for use in an outpatient care setting via focus groups of oncology nurses. “Significant” distress was identified in 32% of patients; severity correlated with the number of specific concerns noted. The tool helped nurses and other caregivers identify important areas on which to focus care. Because it is brief, valid, practical and cost-effective, its implementation into routine usage appears feasible.
 
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