Psychotropic medications in oncology.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychiatry
• Medical Education

Background:

• Psychological distress is prevalent in cancer patients.
• Oncology providers frequently manage these symptoms with psychotropic medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize psychotropic medication prescribing patterns by oncology providers.
• To assess oncology providers' comfort levels with prescribing these medications.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to oncology providers (doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) at a major academic medical center.
• The survey collected data on provider demographics, prescribing habits, comfort levels, and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• 65 oncology providers reported equal comfort and discomfort prescribing psychotropic medications.
• Benzodiazepines were the most commonly prescribed class (89.2%), while mood stabilizers were least prescribed (4.6%).
• Barriers included difficulty with mental health referrals and insufficient provider education; improved education and patient resources were identified as solutions.

Conclusions:

• Oncology providers exhibit balanced comfort and discomfort regarding psychotropic medication prescribing.
• Increased prescribing comfort can be achieved through enhanced mental health education during training and continuing education.
• Implementing a clinical pathway for psychotropic prescribing and improving patient access to mental health services are recommended.