Background: There is evidence to show that up to 50% of patients and those supporting them (supporters) experience clinically significant levels of distress following a cancer diagnosis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) Distress Thermometer and Problem List can be used as a way of identifying levels of distress and problems in a clinical setting. The Counselling and Psychology Service (CPS), Cancer Society Auckland provides various forms of support including individual based interventions (utilising CBT, ACT, Supportive Psychotherapy and Problem Solving Therapy), group psycho-education sessions (Tips and Tools) (stress, sleep, emotional distress, and communication) and specialist group programmes (relaxation and stress management, moving forward after cancer and support for supporters).
Aim: This observational study aimed to assess distress levels and problems reported by individuals presenting at the CPS, in order to determine whether this service provides appropriate support.
Method: All patients (n = 281) and supporters (n = 117) presenting to the CPS for an initial assessment between October 2010 and December 2011 were given psychometric measures prior to seeing a psychologist. This included the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List.
Results: The average distress score for patients presenting for their assessment was 4.58 (SD = 2.28) and for supporters 5.31 (SD = 2.16) (range 0 – 10). The following list indicate the most common problems reported by patients and supporters: ‘dealing with partner’ (25.4%); ‘depression’ (28.6%); ‘fears’ (38.9%); ‘anxiety’ (51.2%); ‘sadness’ (47.5%); ‘worry’ (57.3%); ‘loss of interest’ (26.4%); ‘fatigue’ (46.2%); ‘memory/concentration’ (34.4%); and ‘sleep’ (42%).
Conclusion: The most common problems identified by this study are areas targeted by the different levels of care provided by the CPS. Firstly Tips and Tools provide psycho-education around four pertinent topics in psycho-oncology and secondly individual and group therapy is available for more comprehensive psychological support.