# Automated Screening for Distress: A Perspective for the Future

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of screening for distress in cancer patients, reviews current methods, and explores future technological innovations to improve early detection and intervention for psychological morbidity.

## Contribution

It provides a perspective on integrating emerging informatics and computational technologies into distress screening practices for better implementation.

## Key findings

- Screening for distress can improve patient outcomes.
- Emerging technologies offer promising tools for early detection.
- Current screening tools are underutilized in routine care.

## Abstract

Distress is a complex condition which affects a significant percentage of cancer patients and may lead to depression, anxiety, sadness, suicide and other forms of psychological morbidity. Compelling evidence supports screening for distress as a means of facilitating early intervention and subsequent improvements in psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Nevertheless, despite the existence of evidence based and easily administered screening tools, for example, the Distress Thermometer, routine screening for distress is yet to achieve widespread implementation. Efforts are intensifying to utilise innovative, cost effective methods now available through emerging technologies in the informatics and computational arenas.