Initial assessments by psycho-oncologists: predictors of distress and support needs

Beyond standardized screenings, clinical assessments by psycho-oncologists during initial consultations play a key role in guiding psychosocial cancer care. Despite their relevance, these assessments have rarely been systematically examined. The aim of this study was to analyze psycho-oncologists' assessments of psychological distress and support needs and to identify factors influencing their assessments.

In a cross-sectional study, N = 9 psycho-oncologists retrospectively evaluated N = 1048 initial psychooncological consultations. The perceived psychological distress, depression, anxiety, health literacy and support needs of patients were recorded, as well as consultation-related conditions and the psycho-oncologists' own stress levels. Analyses involved descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlations, and a binomial logistic regression.

A distress score ≥ 5 was observed by psychooncologists in 74.7% of patients; 44.5% were rated as anxious, 28.6% as depressed. Mental health diagnoses were made in 25% of cases, mainly adjustment or affective disorders. Psycho-oncological support needs were identified in 75.6% of patients. Key predictors for identifying distress and needs included patients' desire for support (OR = 45.06), Knowledge and information about the consultation (OR = 2.66), and psycho-oncologists' own stress levels (OR = 1.53).

Psycho-oncological initial assessments are clinically relevant, but are subject to contextual and personal influences. The structured collection of consultation requests, information awareness, and health literacy, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration, can improve the assessment. The psychological stress of psycho-oncologists should also be systematically taken into account.