Introduction of the distress thermometer on an oncological ward

Background: Patients suffering from oncological diseases experience physical, mental, social, and spiritual distress. 20 to 40 % show increased stress and need professional support. Therefore, we implemented the distress thermometer (DT) as a screening instrument on an inpatient oncological ward. Method: We chose an action research approach („look“-„think“-„act“-cycle) for this practice development project. Firstly, we examined the current assessment of psychosocial distress and conducted a literature research („look“). On this basis we elaborated an instruction for the DT („think“) and implemented the instrument („act“). We evaluated the project by analyzing the completed DT questionnaires and by conducting a survey of patients and nurses („look“).

Results: After implementing the DT, mentions of psychosocial distress in patient records increased by 40 %. Before the implementation, distress was documented in only 39.5 % of patient records and 4.5 % of all patients were referred to the psycho-oncology service. After introducing the DT, psychosocial stress was mentioned in 86 % of patient records and 7.3 % of patients received psycho-oncological counselling. 49.6 % of patients were screened. Nurses considered the screening tool as useful and supportive.

Conclusions: By means of the DT, a systematic screening of psychosocial distress is feasible. The instrument can be easily implemented and applied in daily practice.