A cross-sectional study of agreement between the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and patient- and radiation oncologist-reported single-item assessment of depression and anxiety.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe among radiation oncology patients: (1) the proportion likely to be experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety as identified by (a) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; standardised tool), (b) patient-reported single items (ultrashort tool), and (c) radiation oncologist-reported single items (clinician judgement); (2) preferences for being offered psychological support; and (3) agreement between single-item measures and the HADS.

METHODS:

Adult cancer patients (n = 152; consent rate 58%) receiving radiotherapy completed a touchscreen tablet survey assessing symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS and a single-item tool) and support preferences. Each participant's treating radiation oncologist completed a survey assessing his or her perception of whether the patient was anxious or depressed.

RESULTS:

Prevalence estimates for likely depression (6.9-18%) and anxiety (17-33%) overlapped across the 3 measures. Overall, only 9.9% of patients (95% CI, 5.6%-16%) wanted to be offered psychological support. For depression, agreement between the HADS and ultrashort tool was fair (κ = 0.37, P < 0.0001); agreement between the HADS and clinician judgement was slight (κ = 0.14, P < 0.05). For anxiety, agreement between the HADS and clinician judgement was not significantly greater than chance alone (κ = 0.04, P = 0.33), and agreement between the HADS and ultrashort tool was moderate (κ = 0.49, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings highlight the important role that oncology consultations play in interpreting assessment tool results and responding to individual patient's history and preferences for psychological support.

• Authors: Lisa Mackenzie, Mariko Carey, Eiji Suzuki, Michio Yoshimura, Masakazu Toi, Catherine D'Este, Rob Sanson-Fisher
• Journal: Psycho-oncology (Psychooncology) Vol. 27 Issue 7 Pg. 1840-1846 (07 2018) ISSN: 1099-1611 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 29663624 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anxiety (diagnosis, psychology)
• Attitude of Health Personnel
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Depression (diagnosis, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms (psychology, therapy)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Prevalence
• Professional-Patient Relations
• Radiation Oncologists