Psychological distress in cancer patients assessed with an expert rating scale
2008

Psychological Distress in Cancer Patients

Sample size: 6365 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Herschbach P, Book K, Brandl T, Keller M, Lindena G, Neuwöhner K, Marten-Mittag B

Primary Institution: Technical University of Munich

Hypothesis

The study investigates psychosocial stress in cancer patients using an expert rating scale.

Conclusion

Patients treated in palliative care settings showed the highest distress scores, while those recruited by routine contact had the lowest.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients treated in palliative care settings showed the highest distress scores.
  • Patients recruited by routine contact had the lowest distress scores.
  • Chemotherapy was found to be the most distressing treatment.

Takeaway

This study looked at how stressed cancer patients feel, finding that those in certain types of care feel more stressed than others.

Methodology

The study used an expert rating scale to assess psychological distress in cancer patients across various settings and treatments.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias from different recruitment methods.

Limitations

The study may have selection bias due to different recruitment methods and the distribution of diagnoses may not be representative.

Participant Demographics

66% of participants were female, with a mean age of 59.5 years; 71% had a partner.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604420

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