[Outpatient Psychosocial Cancer Care at a University Medical Center - Study Results Concerning Patient Characteristics and Care Needs].

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial care for cancer patients has gained importance in recent years and psycho-oncological counselling centers (POCC's) offer a wide range of services in this area. We investigated the scope and content of a POCC at a university medical center.

METHODS: The presented data were collected at the POCC at University Medical Center Leipzig in 2014. In total, 469 cancer patients participated (mean age 60 years, 67% female, 36% breast cancer). Psychosocial distress and psychopathology were assessed with the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and the NCCN Distress Thermometer. Descriptive statistics were analyzed.

RESULTS: 1 in 4 patients (24%) reported at least moderate levels of depressive symptoms. Patients with hematological malignancies and head and neck tumors showed stronger depressive symptoms. 15% of patients suffered from elevated levels of anxiety. The average number of reported problems on the Distress Thermometer and Problem List was 14 out of 39. Physical and psychosocial problems were most prevalent (e. g. fatigue, problems getting around, anxiety). Supportive care needs were less common than reported problems.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that a close network of POCS, oncological inpatient and outpatient care can help direct patients toward psychosocial care at an early stage. Psychosocial screening enables psycho-oncologists to identify problem areas and offer tailored counselling services.