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OBJECTIVE: Emotional distress (ED) is an under-diagnosed problem in cancer patients and over the last decade a number of national guidelines have recommended an assessment and management model based on appropriate health professional response to a hierarchy of patient need. This study explores the views of cancer professionals regarding their current roles and responsibilities in the detection and management of ED, use of screening tools and access to expert psychological support. METHODS: Interviews with 23 professionals were conducted [6 clinical nurse specialists (CNS), 8 oncologists, 4 surgeons and 5 ward sisters] from hospitals in Yorkshire, UK. Data were evaluated using framework analysis. RESULTS: Detection of ED was seen to be the responsibility of the whole cancer team though nurses, particularly CNSs, are heavily depended upon to assess and manage distress. Experience of screening tools was limited and a number of reservations were expressed about routine implementation. A wide range of services are used to support distressed patients but a lack of referral guidance and access to specialist psychological care were reported to be a significant barrier to effective management. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer professionals describe working within the fundamental principles of the guidance frameworks; however, access to specialist support do not appear to meet recommendations, leaving the CNS with considerable responsibility for the detection and management of ED. Support for ED may be improved by the introduction of routine screening along with appropriate training and implementation of referral guidelines to assist professionals in accessing specialist psychology services.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/pon.1916

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychooncology

Publication Date

06/2011

Volume

20

Pages

601 - 608

Keywords

Adjustment Disorders, Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Cooperative Behavior, Depressive Disorder, England, Female, Health Services Accessibility, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, Inservice Training, Interdisciplinary Communication, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Patient Care Team