Does the distance to the cancer center affect psycho-oncological care and emergency visits of patients with IDH wild-type gliomas? A retrospective study

Abstract

Background Malignant isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type (IDHwt) gliomas impose a high symptomatic and psychological burden. Wide distances from patients’ homes to the cancer centers may affect the delivery of psycho-oncological care. Here, we investigated, in a large brain tumor center with a rural outreach, the initiation of psycho-oncological care depending on spatial distance and impact of psycho-oncological care on emergency visits. Methods Electronic patient charts, the regional tumor registry, and interviews with the primary care physicians were used to investigate clinical data, psycho-oncological care, and emergency unit visits. Interrelations with socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment aspects were investigated using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis and the Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results 229 adult patients of this retrospective cohort (n = 491) fulfilled inclusion criteria for analysis. 48.9% received at least one psycho-oncological consultation, and 37.1% visited the emergency unit at least once during the last three months of their life. The distance from the cancer center did neither affect the initiation of psycho-oncological care nor the rate of emergency unit visits. Receiving psycho-oncological care did not correlate with the frequency of emergency unit visits in the last three months of life. Conclusion We conclude that the distance of IDHwt glioma patients´ homes from their cancer center, even in a rural area, does not significantly influence the rate of psycho-oncological care.

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

“…Access to psycho-oncological support can be hindered by a variety of personal factors. For instance, ruralness of residence and/or physical impairment represent important barriers to accessing any type of care, however, technology is moving forward and, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth has been implemented by various healthcare providers ( Schuit et al, 2021 ; Fischl et al, 2023 ). Although some patients still prefer face-to-face therapy, televisits may break down the barrier of travelling, isolation, and impairment.…”