Analysis of psychiatric referrals and interventions in an oncology population.
OBJECTIVE
To review nurse-generated, inpatient psychiatric referrals to the psychiatric consultation liaison nurse (PCLN) in a comprehensive cancer center.


METHODS
Retrospective records review.


METHODS
National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the eastern United States.


METHODS
102 psychiatric referrals/consults from an inpatient adult unit.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review of all referrals over a one-year period.


METHODS
Reason for referral, assessment data, and nursing interventions.


RESULTS
Five major psychological problems constituted reasons for referrals: depression (31%), anxiety (26%), adjustment disorder (24%), "difficult to care for" (13%), and delirium (6%). Follow-up with a mental health care provider occurred with 84% of the patients. Interventions were directed at patients and staff members together, patients and family members, and staff members only.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses are the most consistent observers of patients' emotional responses. A PCLN can facilitate development of necessary skills for identifying and caring for patients at high risk for psychiatric problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses may not always be able to identify specific psychiatric diagnoses, but they are skillful in the recognition of significant psychological distress in patients. Development of the PCLN role can facilitate assessment and intervention in patients needing additional help.
Fincannon
J L
JL
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, MD.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies