Polaris Data Reflect the Scope of Distress Experienced by Cancer Patients
Findings of a recent analysis of data collected by the Polaris Oncology Distress Management System included: 35 percent of patients experienced at least moderate distress, and an additional 30 percent reported financial or insurance concerns.
Langhorne, PA, October 30, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Polaris researchers are continuously analyzing data collected by the Polaris Oncology Distress Management System to better understand the breadth of psychosocial distress felt by cancer patients.
The Polaris team recently studied a sample of 854 patients from seven cancer centers who had completed the Polaris Oncology patient assessment. Confirming other research in the field, 35 percent of patients reported experiencing at least moderate distress.
Additionally:
-30 percent of patients reported concerns about finances or insurance coverage
-25 percent of patients were caregivers for young children or elderly persons: anxiety was statistically significantly higher for this group; financial and insurance concerns were also higher
-An inverse correlation was found between age and distress--younger patients reported greater distress
-Heightened distress was associated with greater levels of anxiety, depression, pain and difficulties with daily functioning
Identification of these psychosocial concerns is only the first step. If left unaddressed, the distress patients experience can have an impact on their compliance with treatment and overall well being.
Polaris Oncology connects patients to the programs and resources they need using its automated referral, triggers and alerting capabilities. It also administers monitoring assessments, because a patient's psychosocial distress often varies over the course of treatment. As part of these monitoring assessments, the system asks patients whether they have followed up with their recommended care.
For more information on the Polaris Oncology Distress Management System, please send an e-mail to moreinfo@polarishealth.com or visit: http://www.polarishealth.com/oncology/.
About Polaris Health Directions
Polaris recognizes that organizations cannot manage what they do not measure. Many behavioral health care providers and payers may not be collecting and analyzing enough of the right data to answer basic questions about the cost-effectiveness of the care they offer. Polaris's advanced technology and science driven assessment systems are designed to capture the clinical data essential to quality improvement and enhanced organizational management. Polaris solutions provide advanced analytics to help organizations improve and demonstrate to their customers the value of their care. With a focus on prediction, Polaris solutions do more than describe clinical change. Polaris systems also indicate if treatment is likely to have a positive result. Helping organizations make better decisions in the present by anticipating the future will be the difference in reducing their costs while improving patient care. Follow Polaris on Facebook (@polarishealthdirections) and Twitter (@PolarisHD).
The Polaris team recently studied a sample of 854 patients from seven cancer centers who had completed the Polaris Oncology patient assessment. Confirming other research in the field, 35 percent of patients reported experiencing at least moderate distress.
Additionally:
-30 percent of patients reported concerns about finances or insurance coverage
-25 percent of patients were caregivers for young children or elderly persons: anxiety was statistically significantly higher for this group; financial and insurance concerns were also higher
-An inverse correlation was found between age and distress--younger patients reported greater distress
-Heightened distress was associated with greater levels of anxiety, depression, pain and difficulties with daily functioning
Identification of these psychosocial concerns is only the first step. If left unaddressed, the distress patients experience can have an impact on their compliance with treatment and overall well being.
Polaris Oncology connects patients to the programs and resources they need using its automated referral, triggers and alerting capabilities. It also administers monitoring assessments, because a patient's psychosocial distress often varies over the course of treatment. As part of these monitoring assessments, the system asks patients whether they have followed up with their recommended care.
For more information on the Polaris Oncology Distress Management System, please send an e-mail to moreinfo@polarishealth.com or visit: http://www.polarishealth.com/oncology/.
About Polaris Health Directions
Polaris recognizes that organizations cannot manage what they do not measure. Many behavioral health care providers and payers may not be collecting and analyzing enough of the right data to answer basic questions about the cost-effectiveness of the care they offer. Polaris's advanced technology and science driven assessment systems are designed to capture the clinical data essential to quality improvement and enhanced organizational management. Polaris solutions provide advanced analytics to help organizations improve and demonstrate to their customers the value of their care. With a focus on prediction, Polaris solutions do more than describe clinical change. Polaris systems also indicate if treatment is likely to have a positive result. Helping organizations make better decisions in the present by anticipating the future will be the difference in reducing their costs while improving patient care. Follow Polaris on Facebook (@polarishealthdirections) and Twitter (@PolarisHD).
Contact
Polaris Health Directions
Jesse Nankin
215.359.3901
www.polarishealth.com
Jesse Nankin
215.359.3901
www.polarishealth.com
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