ObjectiveThis observational clinical study investigated patients’ experiences with and opinions on the Dutch ‘Screening of Distress and Referral Need’ (SDRN) process implemented in oncology practice. Insight into these can guide improvement of the SDRN process.MethodsPatients from hospitals that had implemented SDRN for at least a year completed questions on experiences with essential SDRN process steps (1: completion of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List as screening instrument (DT&PL), 2: information on SDRN+DT&PL, 3: information on referral options, 4: discussing DT&PL responses, 5: referral when needed), and on opinions about SDRN and DT&PL. Descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted.ResultsOf the 498 participants (response = 54%), 81% completed a DT&PL, of whom 86–87% was exposed to steps 2–3 and 76% discussed responses; only three needing care were not offered referral. Sixty-one percent encountered all SDRN steps and 78% would recommend SDRN to others. Recommending SDRN is related to more frequent DT&PL completion (t = -2.5; p≤0.01), receipt of information on SDRN+DT&PL and referral options (X2 = 4.9; p≤0.05 and X2 = 5.9; p≤0.05 respectively), discussion of responses (X2 = 10.2; p≤0.001), and fuller exposure to SDRN process steps (X2 = 14.8; p≤0.01). Percentages (strongly) agreeing were highest on the DT&PL being useful (90%) and suitable (88%), and lowest on burdensome (31%) and time-consuming (28%).ConclusionThe majority of participating patients encountered the steps of the SDRN process considered essential, with 3/5 having encountered all steps. Referral is largely targeted to patients’ need. Patients’ perceived benefit of SDRN increases with fuller exposure to all process steps. Therefore, improvements, particularly in DT&PL completion and discussion of responses should be made.

Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.

Purpose This study investigated the effect of the "Screening for Distress and Referral Need" (SDRN) process (completing a screening instrument; patient-caregiver discussion about the patient's responses, regardless of distress level, and possible referral to specialized care), implemented in Dutch oncology practice on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods A non-randomized time-sequential study was conducted to compare two cohorts. Cohort 1 respondents (C1) were recruited before and cohort 2 respondents (C2) after SDRN implementation in nine Dutch hospitals. Participants completed the EORTC-QLQ-C30, HADS, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-III, and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT&PL). Descriptive analyses and univariate tests were conducted. Results C2 respondents (N = 422, response = 54%) had significantly lower mean scores on the practical (t = 2.3; p = 0.02), social (t = 2.3; p = 0.03), and emotional PL domains (t = 2.9; p = 0.004) compared with C1 (N = 518, response = 53%). No significant differences were found on quality of life, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with care, distress level, the spiritual and physical PL domains, or on referral wish. Conclusions After implementation of SDRN, patients report significantly fewer psychosocial (practical, social, and emotional) problems on the DT/PL but responses on the other patient-reported outcomes were comparable. These results add to the mixed evidence on the beneficial effect of distress screening. More and better focused research is needed.