Using the distress thermometer to guide electronic referrals to psychosocial services

Purpose: Evaluate a new administration protocol of the distress thermometer (DT) and assess its use in guiding electronic referrals within the medical record.Design: Data were gathered as part of a quality improvement project.Sample: Any patient within Saint Luke's Cancer Institute from March of 2016 to December of 2017.Methods: The DT was administered at every appointment with surgical and medical oncology and on Mondays while completing radiation. A referral to supportive services was offered to any patient scoring a 4 or above.Findings: Referrals to all supportive services increased by 69%. Staff adherence to distress screening guidelines increased to 95.42% and patient refusal to accept referrals fell to 2.72%.Conclusion: Administering the DT on a more regular basis and utilizing the DT to guide electronic referrals is achievable and results in increased referrals to supportive services.Implications for psychosocial providers or policy: Utilizing the DT in this manner can increase the number of patients identified and treated for distress.