ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Psychological distress is common among patients with acute diseases and is associated with a poorer prognosis. Early detection and intervention are important for high-risk individuals. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective study used the five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) to assess psychological distress and evaluate whether proactive intervention may reduce distress levels among hospitalized patients in a single medical center in northern Taiwan. FINDINGS: Of the patients, 10.7% were found to have varying degrees of emotional distress (BSRS-5 ≥ 6). After providing integrated medical care for patients with psychological distress, the degree of stress decreased significantly (p < 0.001). These results were consistent across subgroups. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results highlight that proactive assessment and appropriate interventions may reduce patients' psychological distress during their course of hospitalization.
