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NCRI 2016 | The implications of implementation studies on distress screening in cancer patients

Alex Mitchell • 6 Nov 2016

Alex Mitchell, MBBS, BMedSci, MSc, MD, MCPsych of the University of Leicester, UK talks about the implications that follow from distress screening in cancer patients. Prof. Mitchell explains that there are a number of implementation studies, particularly from Montreal and Nova Scotia, which have looked at over 10,000 patients screened over the last few years. The preliminary results suggest that not everyone is helped by the implementation of distress screening programs. Despite the research study context, the barriers to success could still be examined. It was found that patients had a modest to high acceptability of screening, however, clinicians often did not know how to respond. To solve this Prof. Mitchell suggests that in addition training on distress screening, clinicians must also be trained in applying therapeutic options. This would give clinicians confidence to deliver a therapy or refer to an expert. Recorded at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Annual Conference, held in Liverpool, UK.