Implementing touch‐screen technology to enhance recognition of distress

Objective: The University of California, San Diego, Moores Cancer Center implemented a systematic approach for patients to communicate with their health‐care team in real‐time regarding psychosocial problem‐related distress using touch‐screen technology. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience in implementing touch‐screen problem‐related distress screening as the standard of care for all outpatients in a health‐care setting. Although early identification of distress has recently gained wide attention, the practical issues of implementing psychosocial screening with and without the use of technology have not been fully addressed or investigated.

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