Understanding patient anxiety at pre- and post-consultation with gynecologic oncology.

Abstract

e24069 Background: Anxiety is highly prevalent among patients presenting for new oncology consultation and is a phenomenon that is not well-described in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to compare anxiety in individuals suspected of gynecologic cancer at their pre- and post-gynecologic oncologist appointment. Methods: New gynecologic oncology consults age ≥ 18 years with concern for gynecologic malignancy at a single institution were eligible to participate. Eligible and consented patients received a demographic survey, a cancer perception pre-survey (rated on 1-5 Likert scale), and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). After the visit, patients completed a cancer perception post-survey and the STAI. Demographic variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics. STAI scores and cancer perception scores were compared from pre- to post- consultation and analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: A total of 30 patients (median age 58 years) were included in the survey study. Most patients were white (90%) and were referred by their general OBGYN (77%). 63% of patients had a previous history of anxiety and/or depression. There was found to be a significant decrease in patients’ STAI anxiety scores after their oncology visit (Δ = -9.30, P < 0.001). Cancer perception survey scores showed a significant increase in patients’ agreement with the statement “I understand the plan for my diagnosis” (Δ = 2.3, P < 0.001) and the statement “I feel more knowledgeable about my diagnosis” after the visit (Δ = 2.3, P < 0.001). Patients also had a significant decrease in agreement with the statement “I am scared for the future” at post-survey (Δ = -0.92, P < 0.001). Conclusions: First-time patients to the gynecologic oncologist with concern for malignancy had decreased anxiety after their consultation. Patients also demonstrated a better understanding of their diagnosis and were less scared for their future. Based on our findings, further investigation should look at etiologies of this anxiety and interventions to mitigate it. Question Pre-Consult Average Post-Consult Average P-value "I understand the plan for my diagnosis." 2.4 4.68 0.000000003 "I am scared for the future." 3.17 2.25 0.0008 "I feel knowledgeable about my diagnosis." 2.4 4.71 0.0000000005 Average patient scores showing agreement with statements on the cancer perception survey at pre- and post-consultation (on a Likert scale from 1-5 with 5 indicating strongest agreement).