Screening cancer patients' families with the distress thermometer (DT): a validation study

摘要: Although family members of cancer patients are at great risk experiencing psychological distress, clinical tools to assist with recognizing and intervening appropriate psychosocial care sparse. This study reports on the first validation distress thermometer (DT) as a screening instrument for symptoms depression anxiety in patients. The DT was administered Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) sample 321 members. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) demonstrated that has good diagnostic utility relative HADS (area under curve= 0.88 scale; 0.84 scale, respectively). ROC curves indicate using cut-off 4/5 maximizes sensitivity (86.2% 88.2% scale) specificity (71.2% 67.6% scale); however, alternative lower 3/4 increases (94.1% both scales) hence reduces missing distressed (specificity is 62.9% 59.1% scale). results offer support its use assessment. Distress promising efficient approach integrating program provides step toward meeting their unmet needs referral supportive services.