Feasibility of a Supportive Cancer Care Intervention for Patients With Pre-Existing Severe Mental Disorders-The CASEMED Model.

BACKGROUND

Patients with pre-existing severe mental disorders (SMD) face barriers to optimal cancer treatment. Structured interventions may improve care, but knowledge about their feasibility in daily clinical practice is needed.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of the CASEMED Model.

METHODS

This mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted at Aarhus University Hospital and included patients with pre-existing SMD and breast, lung, or head and neck cancer. The intervention components included early detection of psychiatric comorbidity, screening for physical and psychiatric symptoms, involvement of caregivers, continuity, education, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration through an onco-psychiatric multidisciplinary team conference (opMDT). Data were collected from patient records and interviews focusing on intervention delivery, acceptability, burden, unintended consequences, and mechanisms of change.

RESULTS

Of 27 eligible patients, 23 (85%) participated. Patients had breast (48%), lung (26%), or head and neck cancer (26%) and were diagnosed with moderate to severe depression (65%), bipolar affective disorders (26%), or schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (9%). Overall, the intervention was feasible and well-accepted, with minimal burden reported. It facilitated a multidisciplinary approach, patient-centered care and cross-sector collaboration. The main implementation barriers included difficulties identifying the appropriate target population, lengthy questionnaires, lack of continuity among oncological professionals, and low general practitioner participation in opMDTs.

CONCLUSION

This feasibility study demonstrates that the CASEMED Model is acceptable and feasible, with a low level of burden and few implementation barriers. The intervention facilitated a multidisciplinary approach with potential to enhance cancer care. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and generalizability in other healthcare settings.