Distress screening is universally recommended to identify patients at risk for physical, psychological or social conditions that may impact on patient outcomes, access to care and adherence to treatment. Yet not all patients undergoing distress screening for gynaecological cancer and who might benefit from psychosocial support services, receive them. In addition, there is no evidence on the effectiveness of social interventions to support a positive patient experience. A social science systemic perspective offers the opportunity to link patient and family engagement with organizational service systems and policy innovation.
This presentation will report on the outcomes of a study, undertaken in the Department of Oncology at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
The aim of the study was to define, evaluate and assess the effectiveness of a social intervention to support women with gynaecological cancers.
A mixed methods research design was implemented which included an exploratory qualitative comparative analysis study and a quasi- experimental design. ( N=120)
Ten themes resulted from the comparative qualitative analysis. Inferential analysis of the outcomes of the social intervention demonstrated a significant shift to improved adjustment and adherence to treatment.
The results define the complexity and multiple associated components of the social distress experienced by women receiving treatment for gynaecological cancer. An evidence-based self-report and engagement strategy, informed by the results of this study, is recommended for routine service delivery.