Integration of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Screening Tool as a Guidepost for Telephonic Oncology Case Management

Purpose of Study: Cigna's oncology case management programs identified the opportunity for case managers to integrate distress screening as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in oncology populations. Our purpose in conducting this study was to quantify oncology case management program improvements as a result of using the NCCN Distress Screening Tool to guide telephonic case management. The program improvements we measured comprised more efficient identification of biopsychosocial problems and appropriate resource referrals. Primary Practice Setting: Case managers in a large commercial health plan piloted integration of distress screening into telephonic case management among U.S. oncology customers experiencing a new diagnosis or care transition from September 2016 to April 2017. Methodology and Sample: A retrospective, matched case–control study was conducted among Cigna customers eligible for oncology case management. The pilot group of 317 received distress screening early in the oncology case management assessment. Outcomes included distress severity ranging from 0 to 10 (where 0 = no distress, 1–3 = mild, 4–7 = moderate, and 8–10 = severe), identification and number of biopsychosocial health problems, and percentage of direct resource referrals by case managers to supportive services. Results: More than half (54%) of the screened customers reported mild or greater distress, and there was a strong correlation between degree...
Source: Professional Case Management - Category: Health Management Tags: Articles Source Type: research