Rapid screening for depression - Validation of the Brief Case-Find for Depression (BCD) in medical oncology and palliative care patients

Abstract

Depression in oncology patients is under-recognised and associated with poor outcomes. Screening can increase case recognition. The Brief Case-Final for Depression (BCD) is a four-question, interviewer-administered instrument that has been previously validated in a general medical setting. The primary aim of this study was to validate the BCD in a medical oncology/palliative care setting, primarily by comparing its association with physical illness measures and with the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Eligible adult oncology patients gave informed consent and completed the above ..