Effect of a structured psycho-oncological screening and treatment model on mental health in cancer patients (STEPPED CARE): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

摘要: High levels of emotional distress in cancer patients often goes unnoticed daily clinical routine, resulting severe undertreatment mental health problems this patient group. Screening tools can be used to increase case identification, however, screening alone does not necessarily translate into better for the patient. Doctors play a key role providing basic support and transferring need such specific professionals. This study investigates whether stepped care model, combining screening, doctor consultation professional psycho-oncological service structured way, improves wellbeing patients. is cluster randomized trial with two parallel groups (intervention vs. as usual), set an academic hospital. Participants are patients, total 1,000 at baseline. The intervention consists psychosocial care. Step one: distress, step two: feedback results charge patient, three: based on shared patient-doctor decision, either transferal liaison (CL) or not. outcome will well-being half year after baseline, ascertained Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Randomization done by randomization wards. Mental only cause suffering but also direct indirect costs. calls timely adequate support, especially we know that effective. However, every must treated professional. Allocating limited resources most sensibly economically crucial importance our healthcare system ensure best quality many possible. It hope STEPPED CARE model both effective efficient, it implemented other hospitals well, if proven Clinical Trials Register (Clinicaltrials.gov) identifier: NCT01859429 registration date 17 May 2013.