Correlates of oncologist-issued referrals for psycho-oncology services: what we learned from the electronic voluntary screening and referral system for depression (eVSRS-D)

Abstract

The eVSRS-D cannot definitively diagnose major depression but may efficiently self-select a population with significant depression symptoms. The patients' willingness to engage the POS most strongly predicted the actual referrals. Oncologist reviews of screening reports may not result in further depression severity-specific referrals.

Factors associated with referral offer and acceptance following supportive care problem identification in a comprehensive cancer service

“…Consistent with other research (Lee et al, 2016), in our study a higher level of distress was associated with higher odds of being offered a referral. However, analyses considering the type Notes.…”

“…Consistent with other research (Lee et al., ), in our study a higher level of distress was associated with higher odds of being offered a referral. However, analyses considering the type of referral revealed that distress did not significantly relate to all offers, although it was significant for offers of practical support.…”

Relationship between physicians' perceived stigma toward depression and physician referral to psycho‐oncology services on an oncology/hematology ward

“…In the present study, severity of depression was not found to be related to physician referral or real referral with psycho‐oncology services by univariate or multivariate analyses. In a previous study, it was reported that severity of depression was associated with physician referral to psycho‐oncology services but not to real referral . In another study, oncologist‐assessed depression was found to be mainly dependent on patient medical correlates, regardless of the presence of depression or its severity, and these findings were considered to reflect the inability of oncologists to diagnose depression …”

Characteristics of lung cancer patients receiving psychosocial support in urban New Zealand

“…Lastly, whilst this study has not quantified the efficacy of the CPSSS in alleviating patient psychological distress, the service is a positive addition, particularly given the highly distressing nature of lung cancer, the poor prognosis and stigma associated with the disease. However, with only 6.5% of lung cancer patients in the Waikato region being referred during the study period, the number of patients being referred is lower than reported in other countries and may represent an unmet need in NZ, particularly for Māori. Thus, it is imperative that psychosocial support services continue to be made accessible (and be appropriately delivered to) both Māori and non‐Māori lung cancer patients within the Waikato region of NZ.…”