Organizations: Cancer Companions
Background/Context:
Cancer care is often filled with anxiety, strain, and distress. The US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has implemented a distress thermometer tool for health care providers to use with patients to screen for distress. Alongside the distress thermometer, the NCCN provides a problem list that covers a range of issues from practical and physical problems to emotional and spiritual concerns. The goal of these tools is to assist health care providers in identifying patients who would benefit from additional resources and support and prompt them to make those referrals.
Funded by: Donors like you.
Research Question:
- What are the best practices for cancer care staff to use the NCCN distress thermometer and problem list in their workflows to ensure patients receive holistic care?
Study Aims:
- This pilot study will include three cancer care centers in the US. It will compare their workflows for managing patient distress as well as the type and frequency of referrals generated. This will be an initial opportunity to explore which workflow factors are significant to cancer patients’ holistic care.
Impact:
This study offers participating cancer care centers the ability to see their workflow in action and assess areas for improvement. Sharing these findings will encourage other cancer care centers to do the same. Ultimately, improved use and application of these tools will lead to improved referral procedures for patients in need of spiritual care.
Open Positions:
No additional volunteers are needed at this time.
Timeline: April 2025 – December 2025
4 Responses
May 2025 Update: Our first study site has completed data collection and Cancer Companions is actively recruiting the second two sites. We are grateful to be collecting insights from the health care professionals who use the distress thermometer tool on a regular basis such that we can work alongside them on opportunities to improve use and application. Thank you for your prayers and support!
August 2025 Update: Momentum is building as we seek recruitment at the next two partner sites. It’s been a meaningful process to engage with healthcare providers who regularly use the Distress Thermometer, gaining valuable perspectives on how this tool is applied in real-world settings. Their input is helping shape practical ideas for improving how spiritual concerns are recognized and addressed in cancer care. We’re grateful for your ongoing support and prayers as this important work continues to move forward!
November 2025 Update: We are continuing to prepare to initiate recruitment at our next two partner sites. During this phase, our team will engage with healthcare providers who routinely use the Distress Thermometer, gaining valuable perspectives on its application in clinical practice. These conversations will inform practical strategies for enhancing the recognition and response to spiritual concerns in cancer care. We are grateful for the continued interest, collaboration, and support from our partners and community as this important work advances.
February 2026 Update: We’re so grateful to the health care professionals who shared their insights on using the distress thermometer tool with us so far. The project will be paused until summer as Cancer Companions prepares to recruit the next two sites. Thank you for your prayers and continued support!