Overview
This study proposes to evaluate the process and outcome of an implementation program designed to implement nurse-led symptom distress screening and referral into routine cancer care clinics. Specifically, using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial, This study aim to test if a systematic symptom distress screening program increases the proportion of eligible patients screened and referred compared to usual control. For process evaluation, this study will use qualitative methods to assess the experience and response to the implementation program.
Description
This study proposes to evaluate the process and outcome of an implementation program designed to implement nurse-led symptom distress screening and referral into routine cancer care clinics. Specifically, using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial, this study aim to test if a systematic symptom distress screening program (i.e. using the five implementation strategies including training, audit, feedback, facilitation and adaptable workflow) increases the proportion of eligible patients screened and referred compared to usual control under which no implementation strategies will be used to facilitate the adoption of the systematic symptom distress screening and referral. The investigator hypothesize that (1) the intervention will increase the proportion of eligible patients screened; (2) the intervention will increase the proportion of patients with moderate to severe symptom distress referred for psychosocial support.
For process evaluation, this study will use qualitative methods to assess the experience and response to the implementation program.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- All cancer patients within two years post-treatment attending the specialized outpatient clinics for surveillance will be eligible for symptom distress screening, with no exclusions by any demographic and clinical characteristics.
Exclusion Criteria:
- All cancer patients beyond two years post-treatment