Preliminary feedback from adult oncology clinic providers on a psychosocial screening tool for young adult patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: Psychosocial screening integration has been recognized as a standard of care, though successful implementation relies heavily on provider engagement. The current study examined provider perceptions on integrating a psychosocial screening tool as part of the standard of care at a comprehensive cancer center that primarily serves patients with hematologic malignancies.

METHODS

The Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool (AYA-POST) or Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Survivorship Screening Tool (AYA-S-POST) was administered to patients in the Transplant and Cellular Therapies (TCT) clinic as part of a broader program development initiative. Research personnel then designed a survey to assess provider perceptions of integrating the AYA screening tool into clinical care. Survey items were adapted from a prior study. Information regarding provider perceptions of integrating age-appropriate psychosocial screening was then analyzed.

RESULTS

Fourteen of the eligible 20 providers (eight physicians and six APPs) provided feedback on the AYA screening tool. A total of 13 providers (92.9%) had discussed the screener during a medical visit with a YA patient. Overall, TCT providers had neutral to positive perceptions of the AYA screening tool.

CONCLUSION

Results of the current study show that providers in a high-volume adult oncology clinic have generally positive views of integrating an age-appropriate psychosocial screening at point of care. With acceptability from providers, routinely screening YAs could move toward more consistently addressing their unmet needs and enhancing the quality of their oncology care.