Pilot Study of Distress Screening and Referral for Mental Health Support in Adults with New Solid Tumor Cancer at NYC Safety Net Hospitals

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a distress screening and referral program for patients recently diagnosed with solid tumor cancer. This study aims to understand if the program can effectively identify and refer patients experiencing psychosocial distress to mental health services, especially among a diverse group that includes both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals. The program is being studied in safety net hospitals that serve underserved populations to provide valuable insights into its usefulness. The study uses the NCCN Distress Thermometer, a behavioral tool that measures distress on a number scale from 0 to 10 based on the past weeks experience. Participants are individuals with a new diagnosis of solid tumor cancer who are treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. The program focuses on screening and referral to mental health services when distress levels reach a certain threshold. Participants will be involved for at least three months, during which their referral rates to mental health services will be tracked and evaluated. The study collects information through medical records and self-reports, including language preference and distress scores. The research team will monitor how often patients are referred to mental health support as the primary outcome. This pilot study provides an opportunity to assess the programs impact on diverse cancer patients over time.

A Study of a Distress Screening and Referral Program in People With Recently Diagnosed Cancer