How feasible is implementation of distress screening by cancer clinicians in routine clinical care?

Background: There is considerable uncertainty regarding the acceptability of routine distress screening.

Methods: In an unfunded implementation study, the authors asked 50 clinicians (chemotherapy nurses and treatment radiographers/radiation technologists) to implement a screening program for distress as part of routine care and to record their feedback after each clinical encounter. In total, 379 patients were screened using a simple paper-and-pencil versions of distress thermometer and the emotion thermometer (ET).

Identification of patient-reported distress by clinical nurse specialists in routine oncology practice: a multicentre UK study.

Background: There is uncertainty regarding how well clinical nurse specialists are able to identify distress in cancer settings.

Methods: We examined recognition of patient-reported distress by nurse specialists across three sites in the East Midlands (UK). Clinicians were asked to report on their clinical opinion regarding the presence of distress or any mental health complication after routine assessment of 401 mixed cancer patients.

Progestagen profiles during the last trimester of gestation in Thoroughbred mares with normal or compromised pregnancies.

Progesterone (P4), pregnenolone (P5) and their metabolites are present in maternal plasma in pregnant mares. It is believed that one of these progestagens may maintain myometrial quiescence. The aims of this study were to identify specific progestagens in pregnant mares' plasma and determine whether these differed between mares with healthy or compromised pregnancies.