title: Screening for psychosocial distress in patients with long-term home parenteral nutrition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) may cause distress and negatively affect quality of life (QoL). The HPN version of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT/PL) was developed to evaluate distress during HPN. This study validates the DT/PL, examines referral wish for additional care, assesses opinions on the DT/PL, and studies risk factors for distress and referral wish.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dutch and Scottish patients completed questions on socio-demographic and HPN-related general characteristics, the DT/PL, referral wish, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and opinions on the DT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The HPN version of the DT/PL seemed valid and the PL sufficiently reliable. Cut-off score appeared to be 6. Consequently, 45% of patients were diagnosed as clinically distressed. Fifty-three percent had a referral wish. Emotional and physical problems were most strongly associated with distress. Not being able to work related to elevated distress. Female gender and co-morbidity related to referral wish. Opinions on the DT were generally positive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DT/PL appears to be a good instrument to regularly gain insight into distress and referral wish in HPN patients. Use of the DT/PL facilitates support to patients who most need and want it, thus improving quality of care and QoL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands. a.m.roskott@umcg.nl
authors.forename: A M C
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Roskott
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huisman-de Waal
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Wanten
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jonkers-Schuitema
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Serlie
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: J E H M
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hoekstra-Weebers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D016331:Parenteral Nutrition, Home / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult