The Distress Thermometer: Cutoff Points and Clinical Use

ABSTRACT:

Purpose/objectives

To establish an optimal cutoff point for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Distress Thermometer (DT) as a screening measure to identify and address psychological distress in individuals with cancer, and to examine whether distress as measured by the DT significantly changes across the treatment trajectory.

Design

Secondary analyses of baseline data from a longitudinal parent study examining a computerized psychosocial assessment.

Setting

Three diverse comprehensive cancer centers across the United States.

Sample

836 patients with a current or past diagnosis of cancer.

Methods

Study participants were selected from a randomized clinical trial. Patients during any stage of the cancer treatment trajectory were recruited during a

SUBMITTER: Cutillo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5839660 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature