Distress Thermometer Intervention Trial

Overview

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been shown to lead to very high levels of distress among patients. Although treatments for a range of different cancers have become much better in recent years, the distress that accompanies diagnosis and treatment can have serious negative effects for patients. Research has shown that, for a number of reasons, patients find it difficult to inform healthcare professionals about the cause of their distress whether it is physical (e.g. pain), psychological (anxiety and depression), personal partners and family) or social (finances). Also, medical staff often fail to detect even high levels of distress. This means that a great deal of distress is not being treated and this may lead to more hospital and GP visits, and dissatisfaction with care. The Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT\&PL) is a simple method of identifying distress in cancer patients using the familiar image of a thermometer. It offers patients a list of common treatment-related difficulties to help them identify any problems that cause distress. A trained staff member uses the DT\&PL to discuss with the patient different options for addressing each concern: directly where possible (action taken by the patient or the staff member present) or leading to a referral to a specialist where necessary. Our research aims to measure whether the DT\&PL is effective in quickly identifying and treating cancer-related distress and therefore preventing longer-term problems developing. The investigators also want to know whether patients find it helpful to complete the DT\&PL and whether using the DT\&PL saves NHS time and money.

BACKGROUND: Systematic psychological assessment and appropriate psychological support is a key aim of NICE guidance for supportive and palliative cancer care. Cancer causes high levels of distress during diagnosis, treatment and beyond. 'Distress' is a psychological state that may be fuelled by physical (e.g. pain), interpersonal (family tensions), psychological (anxiety and depression), social (finances), and existential concerns. Often these concerns are not expressed by patients or identified by healthcare staff. Our pilot work suggests that the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT\&PL) is a tool that healthcare staff can use to efficiently identify and address these holistic needs. Use of the DT\&PL could reduce both patient distress and the NHS costs of treating the sequelae of distress. AIMS: To demonstrate the feasibility of performing a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in 3 cancer therapy units and to provide data for the design of a future trial in larger numbers of radiotherapy and chemotherapy units. To compare use of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT\&PL) with usual care and document differences in patients' psychological well-being and health-related quality of life. To assess the cost-effectiveness to the NHS and society of using the DT\&PL in routine clinical practice. To assess patient and staff attitudes to completing the DT\&PL and identify any perceived gaps in local psychosocial supportive services. METHODS: A RCT to compare usual psychosocial care with usual care plus DT\&PL administered by trained radiographers and nurses for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The DT\&PL will be used during and at the end of chemo/radiotherapy. Baseline questionnaires include Profile of Mood States (POMS - primary outcome), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) cancer-related quality of life measure and EQ-5D utility score. Qualitative interviews will explore patient, carer and staff views on the DT\&PL and other aspects of supportive care. Patient follow up will occur at 1, 6 and 12 months to determine whether the intervention improves psychological well-being and health related quality of life and the impact on NHS and broader societal costs.