A Retrospective Study: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Breast Cancer Patients

Authors

Cheryl Ann Thaxton, DNP, George Washington University

Document Type

DNP Project

Department

School of Nursing

Date of Degree

Spring 2018

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Primary Advisor

Joyce A Pulcini, PhD, PNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP; Beverly Lunsford, PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

Background: One issue related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is the risk of depression.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine ethnic differences and commonalties in the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression for female breast cancer patients.

Specific Aims: The study aims to examine the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression in Caucasian, Latino, and African American breast cancer patients.

Questions/Hypothesis: 1. Does the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression differ based on ethnicity? Hypothesis: Method of diagnosis and treatment will differ for Minorities as compared to Caucasians; 2. What percentage of patients received pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic treatment for depression? Hypothesis: Minority patients are more likely to elect nonpharmacologic treatment versus pharmacologic for depression.

Methods: This retrospective chart review utilized Chi Square Analysis and took place at a large academic medical center with female breast cancer patients, ages 25 to 80 years, seen in the outpatient palliative care clinic from 2014 to 2017.

Results: The 80 charts revealed positive screenings for depression for 52.2% Caucasians (N=12), 58.6% African Americans (N=17), and 60.7% Latinos (N=17). 33.8% did not have any pharmacologic treatment (N=27), 66.3% had at least one kind of pharmacologic treatment (N=53). A total of 5% of the patients did not receive any non-pharmacologic treatments (N=4), 95% had some form of non-pharmacologic treatment (N=76).

Conclusions: The outpatient palliative care clinic helps to provide management of symptoms for female breast cancer patients with depression by implementing both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures.

Copyright Notice

© 2018 Cheryl Ann Thaxton. All rights reserved.

Recommended Citation

Thaxton, DNP, C. A. (2018). A Retrospective Study: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Breast Cancer Patients. , (). Retrieved from https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/35

Open Access

1