title: Detecting Distress: Introducing Routine Screening in a Gynecologic Cancer Setting.
abstract: Cancer results in a wide range of challenges that contribute to patient distress. Detecting distress in patients can result in improved patient outcomes, and early intervention can avoid patients having unmet needs.
  
  
  
  The aims were to determine the prevalence of distress in patients with gynecologic cancers, identify specific problems, and explore staff perceptions of distress screening.
  
  
  
  A mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected on distress levels and problems. Qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals.
  
  
  
  Sixty-six percent of women scored 4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer, which was used as the indicator for follow-up or referral. A third reported low distress, and the same proportion was highly distressed. The top five problems identified by participants were nervousness, worry, fears, fatigue, and sleep problems.
authors.affiliation: Curtin University.
authors.forename: Moira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: Cancer and Palliative Care Network.
authors.forename: Pauline B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Kaaren J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.affiliation: University of Western Australia.
authors.forename: Toni
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Musiello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
keywords: distress screening; gynecologic cancer; oncology; Distress Thermometer