SMS is a two stage symptom monitoring and depression screening service, which is integrated with NHS care. We provide a semi-automated real time summary of patients’ symptoms, in order to assist clinicians in their management of cancer outpatients.
Stage 1 (Symptom Check-Up):
patients complete self-report questionnaires that measure their symptoms, including emotional distress, using touch-screen computers in the outpatient clinic. The results of the Check-Up are given to the clinician prior to the patient’s oncology consultation.
Stage 2 (Telephone Interview):
patients with a high emotional distress score at Stage 1 receive a brief telephone-delivered, depression screening interview. The patient’s GP and oncologist are informed if they have depression. Patients with depression may also be offered information regarding the SMaRT oncology trials.
Further Information for Patients: