The diagnostic role of a short screening tool—the distress thermometer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis suggests that the DT is a valid tool to detect potential distress in cancer patients. According to our results, 4 as the optimal cut-off, is recommended. Further studies are needed to be done to examine the accuracy and optimal cut-off score in different regions globally and different cancer subtypes to guide the use of the DT for different patients.

Screening and comorbidity of clinical levels of fear of cancer recurrence

“…The sensitivity (88 %) and the specificity (75 %) rates associated with this score indicate that a majority of patients with clinically significant FCR would be detected based on this criterion, while only 25 % would be identified incorrectly as having clinical levels of FCR. Largely inspired by the development of clinical screening programs [17,19], we put more emphasis on the sensitivity of the instrument in the selection of the optimal cutoff score. Indeed, our objective was to validate a brief screening instrument to identify rapidly and in a cost-effective way patients with disproportionate FCR and who may benefit from professional help.…”

“…This strategy was largely used to validate self-report tools in anxiety disorders and depression [14,16]. Besides, the selection of an instrument's cutoff score and the balance between its sensitivity and specificity vary depending on the goal, the application, or the setting of the assessment [17]. The sensitivity of an instrument refers to the degree to which a measure captures evidence of a condition or "disease" and thus offers a positive screening result for individuals who actually have the condition [18].…”

A Specific Distress Cutoff Score Shortly After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

“…9 The original English DT has been translated into 17 languages and has been validated in different cancer populations, both during and after cancer treatment, and against different instruments, although the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) has been used most often as criterion standard for distress. 8,11 In validation studies, different cutoff scores for distress have been determined, influenced by language, country, and cancer population. 8,11 The DT has been used in several Dutch studies.…”

Preoperative Stress: An Operating Room Nurse Intervention Assessment

“…In a meta-analysis of BDT, cutoff points ranged from 3 to 7. 23 The thermometer has been used for noncancer patient groups. According to our literature search, this study is the first time for surgical patients.…”