Psycho-oncology care in breast cancer centres: a nationwide survey. Issue 4 (13th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ernstmann, Nicole; Enders, Anna; Halbach, Sarah; Nakata, Hannah; Kehrer, Christina; Pfaff, Holger; Geiser, Franziska
• Is Part Of: BMJ supportive & palliative care. Volume 10:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: e36
• Page End: e36
• Publication Date: 2019-04-13
• Subjects: psychological care -- breast -- health services research; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-435X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To describe psycho-oncological care structures and processes in German breast cancer centres from the perspective of the centre administration. Methods: The findings are based on a postal survey of a representative random sample of surgical sites of certified breast cancer centres in Germany. Data were collected in 2013 and 2014. The questionnaire included questions about infrastructure, patient information standards, psycho-oncological services and aspects of organisational culture. Data analyses included frequencies, means and bivariate relationships. Results: The return rate was 88.3% (53 hospital sites). Psycho-oncological care is provided by permanent employees in 87%. The average number of full-time-equivalent employees (FTE) is 1.23. Most breast cancer centres engage the occupational group of psycho-oncologists for psycho-oncological care (90%), followed by the medical service (80%) and breast care nurses (78%) (multiple answers were possible). The correlation coefficient between FTEs and surgical treatments per year is not significant (r=0.292, p=0.051). Hospitals are screening every inpatient for the need of psycho-oncological support in 76% of all sites. Frequently used screening instruments are distress thermometer (19%), clinical interview (13%) and basic psycho-oncological documentation (11%). Conclusion: Our data provide insights into the self-reported structural and procedural quality of psycho-oncological care in German breast cancer centres. Further research should examine patient and caregiver perspective on the psycho-oncological services provided by breast cancer centres.