ABSTRACT
This study examined the feasibility of implementing the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT2.0) from the perspectives of families and health-care providers (HCPs). PAT2.0 data were collected from 104 families. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with HCPs. Parents reported that the PAT2.0 was brief and easy to complete. HCPs' perspectives on the utility of the PAT2.0 were mixed and varied according to clinical roles. A major perceived benefit was the PAT2.0 as a communication tool. Barriers included timing and an increased workload for social workers. Psychosocial screening represents a significant practice change for oncology HCPs and is an important area of ongoing research.
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the families and the healthcare providers, particularly the social workers, who were so generous in their participation in this study.
Funding
This study was funded by The Victorian Cancer Agency (Supportive Care Capacity Building Grant SCB11_09), The Ponting Foundation and the Victorian Government Department of Human Services and Operational Infrastructure Support Program. Maria McCarthy is supported by an MCRI Career Development Award. Claire Wakefield is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (APP1067501) and an Early Career Development Fellowship from the Cancer Institute of NSW (ID: 11/ECF/3-43). The Behavioural Sciences Unit is supported by the Kids with Cancer Foundation.