Emotional SUPPORT
All cancer patients will experience distress at some point in their treatment – whether that be emotional , financial or physical suffering . Research has shown that distress in patients with cancer leads to decreased quality of life and can even negatively impact survival .
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ( NCCN ) guidelines : All patients should be evaluated for distress during their initial visit , at appropriate intervals , and as clinically indicated , especially with changes in disease status ( i . e . remission , recurrence , progression , treatment-related complications ).
At Renown Institute for Cancer , patients receive distress evaluations at pivotal points during their cancer care .
Regularly administered psychosocial distress screenings are provided during :
• The first visit with their medical oncologist at Renown Medical Group – Oncology .
• The first visit for chemotherapy treatment at Infusion Services .
• Immediately following the simulation procedure appointment or following the first radiation treatment received at Renown Radiation Therapy .
• Transitions from different treatment modalities , such as upon remission , recurrence , progression , during treatment related complications , survivorship or at any time when the medical team deems necessary .
Jocelyn Mata , LSW , NSW Oncology Outpatient Social Worker
Early intervention for identified reasons for distress leads to improved medical management .
Therefore , if patients have scores of six or higher on the distress evaluation scale of 10 , our staff members must obtain additional information from the patient . Some distress is normal with cancer but there are certain signs that manifest when patient distress lever is too high and needs additional interventions . At that point , the patient is referred to a cancer outpatient social worker for further assessment . The social worker then conducts an assessment and provides appropriate resources and referrals pertaining to the type of distress the patient is experiencing .
While new patients tend to have higher scores of distress than established patients , our team is able to provide resources and referrals to those who may be in distress due to their cancer diagnosis .
Renown administered a total of 400 distress screenings for 2016 . Of the distress screenings administered to date in 2016 , the top three distress problems identified by patients include insurance or financial stress , emotional and physical problems .
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