Dados do Resumo

Título

Implementation of the Distress Thermometer in Oncology Patients: Evidence-Based Practice Project

Introdução

During the journey of oncological treatment, patients experience distress. Distress is a multifaceted experience affecting psychological, social, spiritual, and physical aspects. It ranges from vulnerability to disabling conditions like depression, impacting the ability to manage cancer and its treatments. Assessing and addressing these needs is essential for patient-centered care. Identifying distress in oncology patients is a recommended best practice.

Objetivo

To report the team's experience in conducting anddeveloping an evidence-based practice (EBP) project, based on the problemof the lack of objective assessment and management of distress in oncologypatients

Métodos

This is an experience report. The Johns Hopkins Nursin gmodel was used to conduct the EBP project, which aims to support theclinical team through all phases of the EBP process, from formulating aquestion based on a practice problem to critically evaluating literature,making recommendations, and implementing them in practice.

Resultados

The initial question was "What is the best available evidence in the literature for assessing distress in oncology patients?" A comprehensive literature reviewwas conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases, as well as manualsearches. A total of 74 full-text articles were retrieved, and 15 articles wereincluded for final critical analysis. The Distress Thermometer wasrecommended for practice as part of the patient's psychosocial assessment.The PDSA tool was used for testing with the aim of adjusting and improvingimplementation performance. The test involved applying it in practice to asmall sample of patients. Based on the patient's self-reported score, considering a cutoff score of 4 or higher, the nurse in charge of the EBP project referred the patient to the nurse navigator, and after clinicaldiscussion, the patient was then referred for evaluation, intervention, andfollow-up with the psychology team

Conclusões

Actions based on the bestavailable scientific evidence were recommended. Disseminating strategiesused by healthcare institutions related to evidence-based practices isimportant to encourage other nurses. Evaluating individual distress throughthe Distress Thermometer can be considered yet another important patient-centered care strategy.

Palavras Chave

Distress; Oncology Nursing; Nursing Care