Evaluation of a complex integrated, cross-sectoral psycho-oncological care program (isPO): a mixed-methods study...

Area of Science:

• Psycho-oncology
• Health Services Research
• Cancer Care Evaluation

Background:

• International standards mandate psycho-oncological care integration in cancer treatment.
• The 'isPO' program offers structured, cross-sectoral psycho-oncological care via a stepped-care model.
• Current psycho-oncological care lacks standardized processes for effectiveness demonstration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the process and outcomes of the integrated psycho-oncological program (isPO).
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of the stepped-care psycho-oncological intervention.
• To identify factors influencing the implementation and dissemination of psycho-oncological care.

Main Methods:

• A tripartite evaluation strategy (prospective, formative, summative) was employed.
• A concurrent mixed-method design utilized qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (surveys) data.
• Data linkage included psycho-oncological care records and health insurance claims.

Main Results:

• The evaluation protocol is established for the isPO study.
• Data collection and linkage methods are defined to assess effectiveness and implementation.
• A cost-consequence analysis is planned to support integration into primary healthcare.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol outlines a comprehensive evaluation of an integrated psycho-oncological care program.
• The findings are expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness and implementation of stepped-care psycho-oncological support.
• The research aims to facilitate the integration of psycho-oncological care into routine cancer treatment pathways.