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Clinical evaluation of the Mood and Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) in a day therapy unit in a palliative support centre in the United Kingdom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2008

Elizabeth Chapman ,
Judith Whale ,
Annette Landy ,
David Hughes  and
Margaret Saunders
Elizabeth Chapman*
Affiliation:
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Judith Whale
Affiliation:
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Annette Landy
Affiliation:
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
David Hughes
Affiliation:
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Margaret Saunders
Affiliation:
Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: E. Chapman, Arthur Rank Hospice, Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3DF, United Kingdom. E-mail: ecc22@cam.ac.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the use of the Mood and Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) within a program of structured psychosocial interventions in a Supportive and Palliative Care Center. Palliative care patients have a range of psychological symptoms as well as physical symptoms. Considerable expertise in controlling pain and fear of pain, other physical symptoms, and psychosocial distress has been built up in hospices and palliative care units. This expertise can be used even at late stages in the patient's illness to improve quality of life.

Method:

We evaluated the usefulness of the MSQ to record patient responses, as an aid to patient/staff discussions, and as a staff-training tool. The questionnaire consisted of visual analog scales completed by the patient with a staff member present. Using the tool increased the opportunities for staff and patients to discuss problematic psychosocial issues. Where possible, we obtained data at two time points and compared the responses.

Results:

The MSQ was rapidly accepted as a clinical tool in the day therapy setting by staff and the patients. The process of completing the questionnaire encouraged patients to face and discuss difficult issues. Discussion of the issues raised on the questionnaire had a wider effect, influencing interactions and communications through the unit and facilitating wider discussion of other nonpain symptoms. The medical psychotherapist associated with the unit used the MSQ responses as a training tool to increase staff awareness and knowledge and understanding of psychological issues related to the patients' total pain experience by discussing the questionnaires with them.

Significance of results:

The use of this tool helped to identify some psychological issues that proved relatively straightforward to address once uncovered. Patients benefited from this opportunity when their remaining time was relatively short. Their quality of life at the end of their lives was improved.

Keywords

InterventionsDay therapyClinical tool
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 51 - 59
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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