Distress Screening: Experiences of Oncology Social Workers

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore oncology social workers experiences with the introduction and use of distress screening tools with patients who are diagnosed with cancer. Focus groups were conducted with 15 oncology social workers, who were primarily employed in large hospitals or cancer centers. The results fell into three broad areas: initiating distress screening, adapting distress screening to the setting, and evaluating distress screening. Findings revealed that social workers face many decisions as they adapt distress screening to their settings, including when and how to measure distress, and how to refer patients to services. Social workers were concerned about being overwhelmed with referrals and sought to manage the screening to better identify those who are likely to benefit from services. This research suggests a need for further study, the development of practice guidelines, and training of oncology social workers.

KEYWORDS:

• cancer
• oncology social work
• distress screening
• social workers
• NCCN Distress Thermometer

Acknowledgments

The study described in this article was funded by a Designated Research Initiative Fund grant from the University of Maryland. The authors are especially grateful to the social workers who participated in the focus groups, sharing their experiences so generously.