RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Psycho-oncology care in breast cancer centres: a nationwide survey
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e36
OP e36
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001704
VO 10
IS 4
A1 Nicole Ernstmann
A1 Anna Enders
A1 Sarah Halbach
A1 Hannah Nakata
A1 Christina Kehrer
A1 Holger Pfaff
A1 Franziska Geiser
YR 2020
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/10/4/e36.abstract
AB 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.