Rapid Psychosocial Screening Instruments for Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review of Measurement Tools and Psychometric Evidence.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to map and synthesize available screening instruments for detecting psychosocial problems in cancer patients. METHODS:A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect using predefined keywords, focusing on English-language, full-text, and quantitative studies. Data extraction included study characteristics (title, author, year, objectives, design, sample) and key findings on the validation and application of screening tools. A thematic analysis was performed by two independent reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion, to compare psychometric properties, clinical feasibility, and the scope of detection across instruments. RESULTS:Of 18,225 records identified 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen screening instruments were identified, including the DT, HADS, PHQ-2, PHQ-9, GAD-7, ESAS, PROMIS Depression Short Form, MAX-PC, DADDS, STAI-S, PHQ-ADS, MADRS-S, e-VAS, and DART. The analysis generated three major themes: (1) psychometric strength (validity and reliability), (2) clinical feasibility (time efficiency, ease of use, applicability across cancer populations), and (3) scope of detection (range of psychosocial problems identified, such as depression, anxiety, general distress, and death anxiety). CONCLUSION:Several rapid screening instruments demonstrate strong psychometric properties and clinical applicability for detecting psychosocial problems in cancer patients. Future research should focus on integrating the most effective tools into oncology practice and on developing a rapid, comprehensive instrument tailored to clinical needs, thereby enhancing early detection and psychosocial care.