Background: A substantial percentage of veterans receiving chemotherapy in our infusion room reported some degree of feelings of distress. Distress can lead to patient dissatisfaction and an overall negative patient care experience.
Methods: We utilized the NCCN Distress Thermometer tool (scale 1-10) to gauge veterans self-reported level of distress after being seated in the infusion room. Of 88 veterans surveyed, 86% reported varying degrees of distress. Forty-two percent had scores of 4 or higher, and 18% with scores considered moderate to severe. Veterans reported that the fear of not knowing what to expect when starting treatment was a major contributor.
We created an informational video for veterans to view prior to their rst infusion room appointment. The video depicts a walk through the veterans shoes as they check into clinic, undergo a chemotherapy clearance appointment, access a peripheral vein or port, then ends with introducing the team of infusion nurses. Additionally, we have implemented chair-side service to veterans in the infusion room with physicians, volunteers and members of leadership rotating to offer coffee/tea, DVD players, electronic tablets, magazines, card games, and warm blankets.
Results: After implementation of this veteran centered initiative, there has been a reduction in overall distress levels. After implementation, 31% of scores were a 4 or higher, showing a decrease by 11%. Additionally, there were lower numbers of scores in the severe distress range, 4.4% compared to 6% before the intervention.
Conclusion: Helping veterans to understand what to expect with initiation of chemotherapy can help reduce distress and start their cancer journey on a positive note. Bringing members of the clinical team and leadership to the chair-side to serve our veterans creates a patient centric environment and supports the mission to enhance veterans’ experience.
