Impact of distress screening algorithm for psycho-oncological needs in neurosurgical patients.

Background: Cerebral tumors are associated with high rates of anxiety, depression and reduced health related quality of life. Nevertheless psychooncological screening instruments are neither implemented nor well defined in the daily routine of neurosurgical departments. Therefore, we tried (1) to identify a suitable screening algorithm for neurosurgical patients, (2) to define clinical risk factors for increased distress and (3) to analyze the optimal screening time point.

Correlation of psychooncological distress- screening and quality of life assessment in neurosurgical patients.

Background: Cerebral tumors are associated with high rates of anxiety, depression and reduced health related quality of life. But still psychooncological screening instruments are not implemented in the daily routine of neurosurgical departments. In contrast the EORTC QLQ-C30/ EORTC QLQ- BN20 questionnaire is often used to evaluate quality of life in the framework of clinical studies.