Distinct psycho-oncological support inclinations and needs in patients with cancer: A large sample latent class analysis approach

Abstract

Background In patients with cancer, the routine recording of distress symptoms has been widely established in recent years. Psycho-oncological support has proven to reduce distress and increase quality of life. Despite high levels of distress as well as physical and emotional challenges in patients with cancer, a significant proportion forgoes psycho-oncological services. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation was carried out. Latent class analysis was used to examine the relationship between distress, physical and emotional challenges, and desire for psycho-oncological services in 2191 patients with cancer. Results Latent class analysis revealed four homogeneous subgroups: a) patients with high distress, high physical and low emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, b) patients with high distress, low physical and high emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, c) patients with high distress, high physical and emotional challenges and a desire for psycho-oncology, d) patients with low distress, low physical and emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology. Conclusion The identification of these subgroups of patients with cancer is useful for health care providers in order to focus their efforts in patients with cancer. It might contribute to a more tailored treatment offer for specific subgroups whose needs have so far been insufficiently met. Keywords Cancer-related distress Distress thermometer and problem list Psycho-oncology Latent class analysis

Reading Wishes from the Lips: Cancer Patients’ Need for Psycho-Oncological Support during Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

“…The existing literature suggests that especially oncologists who skillfully recommend PO might improve patients’ uptake of those services (Swiss study) [ 60 ]. Additionally, the identification of specific subgroups of cancer patients with different distress profiles might contribute to a more tailored treatment offer (Swiss study) [ 61 ] reducing the gap between distress and the request for PO.…”

Disparities and barriers in the assessment of psychological distress, access to and use of psycho-oncological support in Europe: current perspectives

“…Aside from socio-demographic aspects ( Schulze et al, 2022a ), there are recurrent psychosocial aspects, some influenced by socio-demographic ones (such as cultural beliefs and stigma regarding mental health services and problems), that need to be addressed; several patients, for example, report thinking psychological support is not necessary or useful for their perceived level of distress, or that their level of distress is not severe enough to warrant intervention, hence preferring self-help ( Clover et al, 2015 ). In addition, Schulze et al (2022b) found that high emotional distress (but not physical) acts as a barrier to the utilisation of psycho-oncological support, yet, it appears that only suffering from both emotional and physical distress leads to the wish for support ( Schulze et al, 2022b ).…”

Fear of COVID-19 Predicts Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and Is Mediated by Positive and Negative Affects—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Prospective studies should consider exploring individual profiles of ICD patients to identify subgroups most vulnerable to the pandemic. Novel approaches, such as a latent class analysis, might be suited for the identification of specific subgroups [45]. Although a history of COVID-19 of closely related persons, such as family, friends and partners, did not predict anxiety, depression or PTSD in ICD patients, future research might want to extend analyses regarding further COVID-19-related variables, which might be linked to those psychiatric symptoms or disorders.…”