Using Touchscreens to Screen for Distress in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Cull A, Gould A, House A, Smith A, Strong V, Velikova G, Wright P, Selby P
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Medical Oncology Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
Hypothesis
The study aims to confirm the validity of using touchscreen computers for screening clinically significant levels of distress among cancer patients.
Conclusion
The touchscreen screening system can effectively identify patients needing further clinical assessment while reducing unnecessary questions for those not in distress.
Supporting Evidence
- 23% of patients were identified as 'cases' during the psychiatric interview.
- The best screening strategy combined scores from MHI-5 and HADS.
- Sensitivity of the screening method was 85% and specificity was 71%.
Takeaway
This study shows that using touchscreens can help doctors find out which cancer patients are feeling very sad or anxious without asking too many questions to those who are okay.
Methodology
Patients completed several questionnaires via touchscreen, followed by a psychiatric interview to confirm distress levels.
Limitations
Further work is needed to develop the optimal choice of screening questions.
Participant Demographics
Chemotherapy out-patients.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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