Screening for distress in women with gynaecological cancer: Adaptation of the distress thermometer for gynaecological oncology patients

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Harbeck, Emma
Chambers, Suzanne
Porter-Steele, Janine
Anderson, Debra
Sanmugarajah, Jasotha
Hughes, Felicity
Nehill, Caroline
Seib, Charrlotte
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2021
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Generic distress screening tools may not recognise the unique concerns reported in some cancer populations. The face and content validity of a screening tool derived from the National Cancer Comprehensive Network distress thermometer and problem list and adapted specifically for women with gynaecological cancer is presented. METHODS: Building on existing work, panels of clinicians and researchers, and focus groups with women treated for gynaecological cancer, developed a nuanced distress screening tool. RESULTS: The clinical reference group used an iterative process to reduce 54 items to 22 across four domains (practical/family/psychological/physical). These items were included in the draft tool, which was reviewed by two focus groups of long-term cancer survivors. Participants unanimously thought the tool was necessary though several changes were recommended. The final draft tool contained a global distress score and 25 items across the four domains. CONCLUSIONS: This measure provides a structured screening tool tailored to the concerns of women with gynaecological cancer, enhancing communication between clinicians and their patients about potentially identified and unrecognised sources of distress. Future research will focus on establishing sensitivity and specificity of this tool and further assessing its utility in clinical settings for all gynaecological cancers (including rare cancers like vulvar cancer).

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European Journal of Cancer Care

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This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.

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Nursing

Oncology and carcinogenesis

Health services and systems

Public health

clinical care

distress thermometer

gynaecological cancer

mental health

psychological support

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Harbeck, E; Chambers, S; Porter-Steele, J; Anderson, D; Sanmugarajah, J; Hughes, F; Nehill, C; Seib, C, Screening for distress in women with gynaecological cancer: Adaptation of the distress thermometer for gynaecological oncology patients, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2021, pp. e13486

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