Psychosocial Distress Screening Implementation in Cancer Care: An Analysis of Adherence, Responsiveness, and Acceptability

Purpose The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has mandated implementation of a systematic protocol for psychosocial distress screening and referral as a condition for cancer center accreditation beginning in 2015. Compliance with standards requires evidence that distress screening protocols are carried out as intended and result in appropriate referral and follow-up when indicated. The purpose of this study was to examine the fidelity of distress screening protocols at two tertiary cancer treatment centers. Methods A retrospective review and analysis of electronic medical records over a 12-week period examined clinic adherence to a prescribed distress screening protocol and responsiveness to patients whose scores on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) indicated clinically significant levels of distress requiring subsequent psychosocial contact. A weekly online survey assessed clinician perspectives on the acceptability of the protocol. Results Across clinics...