Acceptability and appropriateness of a clinical pathway for managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients: a mixed methods study of staff perspectives
Authors: Butow Phyllis , Shepherd Heather L. , Cuddy Jessica , Harris Marnie , He Sharon , Masya Lindy , Faris Mona , Rankin Nicole M. , Beale Philip , Girgis Afaf , Kelly Brian , Grimison Peter ,   The ADAPT Program Group, Beale Philip , Butow Phyllis , Clayton Josephine , Cuddy Jessica , Davies Fiona , Dhillon Haryana , Faris Mona , Geerligs Liesbeth , Girgis Afaf , Grimison Peter , Hack Tom , Harris Marnie , He Sharon , Kelly Brian , Kelly Patrick , Kirsten Laura , Lindsay Toni , Lovell Melanie , Luckett Tim , Masya Lindy , Murphy Michael , Newby Jill , Piro Don , Rankin Nicole , Shaw Joanne , Shaw Tim , Shepherd Heather , Viney Rosalie , Yim Jackie , Shaw Joanne 
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical pathways (CPs) can improve health outcomes, but to be sustainable, must be deemed acceptable and appropriate by staff. A CP for screening and management of anxiety and depression in cancer patients (the ADAPT CP) was implemented in 12 Australian oncology services for 12 months, within a cluster randomised controlled trial of core versus enhanced implementation strategies. This paper compares staff-perceived acceptability and appropriateness of the ADAPT CP across study arms.

Methods

Multi-disciplinary lead teams at each service tailored, planned, championed and implemented the CP. Staff at participating services, purposively selected for diversity, completed a survey and participated in an interview prior to implementation (T0), and at midpoint (6 months: T1) and end (12 months: T2) of implementation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Seven metropolitan and 5 regional services participated. Questionnaires were completed by 106, 58 and 57 staff at T0, T1 and T2 respectively. Eighty-eight staff consented to be interviewed at T0, with 89 and 76 at T1 and T2 (response rates 70%, 66% and 57%, respectively). Acceptability/appropriateness, on the quantitative measure, was high at T0 (mean of 31/35) and remained at that level throughout the study, with no differences between staff from core versus enhanced services. Perceived burden was relatively low (mean of 11/20) with no change over time. Lowest scores and greatest variability pertained to perceived impact on workload, time and cost. Four major themes were identified: 1) Mental health is an important issue which ADAPT addresses; 2) ADAPT helps staff deliver best care, and reduces staff stress; 3) ADAPT is fit for purpose, for both cancer care services and patients; 4) ADAPT: a catalyst for change. Opposing viewpoints are outlined.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated high staff-perceived acceptability and appropriateness of the ADAPT CP with regards to its focus, evidence-base, utility to staff and patients, and ability to create change. However, concerns remained regarding burden on staff and time commitment. Strategies from a policy and managerial level will likely be required to overcome the latter issues.

Trial registration

The study was registered prospectively with the ANZCTR on 22/3/2017. Trial ID ACTRN12617000411347. https://www.anzctr.org.au/.