Poster Presentation Joint 2016 COSA and ANZBCTG Annual Scientific Meeting

Development and evaluation of patient resources to explain screening for anxiety and depression in cancer care (#348)

Heather Shepherd , Karen Allison , Josephine Clayton , Afaf Girgis , Toni Lindsay , Frances Orr , Phyllis Butow , Melanie Price , Joanne Shaw

Aims: The Anxiety and Depression Pathway Program (ADAPT) will facilitate the implementation of the Clinical Pathway for the screening, assessment and management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients. Patient information is required to explain routine screening for anxiety and depression, and a stepped model of care for patients with cancer. We developed and evaluated patient information that explains the importance and practicalities of routine screening for anxiety and depression.

 

Methods: The patient resources were developed in 3 stages:

  1. Expert review of existing resources.
  2. Drafting of new resources where existing resources were not available.
  3. Consumer review by current cancer patients and cancer survivors using feedback forms (n=2), focus groups (n=11) or telephone interviews (n=8). The consumer review covered topics on acceptability of the information, how easy the information was to understand and their understanding of the process of screening after reading the resources.

Results: Expert review identified resources already in place about anxiety and depression, and these resources were included. New information developed in online format and as an A5 pamphlet included information about:

  • Anxiety and depression in the context of cancer
  • Routine screening, what it is and why it is important
  • The clinical pathway for the screening, assessment and management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients
  • Possible referral and health professional roles within the psycho-oncology team

 Qualitative analysis has identified the following themes:

  • Acceptance of psycho-social care as part of routine care
  • Information about the screening questions, and timing of receiving this information
  • Attitudes regarding health professional roles in conducting screening
  • Type and frequency of psycho-social support offered to patients

 Conclusions: These patient resources will improve patient understanding of routine screening for anxiety and depression, and may improve uptake of screening and referrals. Consumers value information that explains the screening process.