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Law K, McCabe MG, van der Veer SN, Yorke J. The development and validation of a needs assessment tool for use with YOUng adult survivors of a CentrAl Nervous system tumor (YOU-CAN). Neurooncol Pract 2024; 11:205-215. [PMID: 38496913 PMCID: PMC10940824 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of a central nervous system (CNS) tumor represent a vulnerable group who can experience: social isolation, low rates of employment, and achieving independence can be compromised, leading to poorer quality of life compared with survivors of other cancer types. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the validity of a needs assessment tool (NAT) for AYA survivors of a CNS tumor. Methods Items generated using data from 29 qualitative studies and cognitive interviews (n = 8) produced NAT V1.1 (49 items). 128 of 316 eligible participants attending neuro-oncology clinics at 4 NHS sites between June 2022 and March 2023 completed the NAT V1.1 to allow for item reduction and refinement and to evaluate reliability and validity. A pilot study (n = 6) using YOU-CAN in routine follow-up concluded the study. Results Hierarchical analysis and Rasch analysis identified 18- and 15-items for removal, respectively. YOU-CAN, comprised of the remaining 16 items, demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.901, n = 40) and sufficient correlation with the European Quality of Life questionnaire and Supportive Care Needs Survey (Pearson r = 0.433 and 0.590, respectively). Pilot testing showed YOU-CAN triggered discussions of unmet needs in consultations and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary support. Conclusions YOU-CAN is a valid and reliable instrument containing items related to concerns about physical and emotional health; family and relationships; self-acceptance; and independence. Future efforts should examine YOU-CAN's feasibility, and develop guidance for managing unmet needs. Routine use of YOU-CAN may improve the identification of otherwise undiscussed unmet needs and opportunities to deliver personalized support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Law
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin G McCabe
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sabine N van der Veer
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Janelle Yorke
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Moscato EL, Fisher AP, Pillay-Smiley N, Salloum R, Wade SL. Caregivers matter: Neurological vulnerability for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:418-428. [PMID: 37720398 PMCID: PMC10502790 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of worse quality of life (QOL) due to the impact of neurotoxic treatments on the developing nervous system. Parenting factors such as protectiveness have been linked to worse QOL in childhood cancer survivors generally, but have yet to be explored for PBTS. We examined whether parenting behaviors moderated the association between neurotoxic treatment and QOL for PBTS. Methods PBTS (n = 40; ages 10-25) and their caregivers (n = 47) completed measures of parenting behaviors including warmth (support/connectedness) and psychological control (protectiveness) and QOL. We divided the sample into moderate/high and low neurotoxicity groups based on chart review using the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Rating of Treatment Intensity and examined moderator effects. Results Survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth moderated the relationship between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL. Moderate/high neurotoxicity was associated with lower caregiver-reported QOL only when survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth was low, P = .02. Similar results were found for survivor-reported QOL. Caregiver-reported psychological control moderated the association between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL such that neurotoxicity only affected QOL at high levels of psychological control, P = .01. Conclusions Heightened associations between parenting and QOL in the context of neurotoxic treatments underscore the need to better support PBTS. Findings are consistent with research suggesting that family factors may be particularly important for children with other neurological insults. Limitations include cross-sectional design and a small/heterogeneous clinical sample with low ethnic/racial diversity. Prospective studies are needed to refine evidence-based screening and develop psychosocial intervention strategies to optimize QOL for PBTS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Moscato
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison P Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Natasha Pillay-Smiley
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Neurobehavioral Impairment in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: A Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133269. [PMID: 35805042 PMCID: PMC9265927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The neurocognitive outcomes of pediatric brain tumor survivors have been extensively studied but the risk and predictors for neurobehavioral impairment are less clearly defined. We systematically analyzed the rates of emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for articles published between January 2012 to April 2022. Eligible studies reported neurobehavioral outcomes for PBTS aged 2 to <23 years with a brain tumor diagnosis before 18 years of age. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed in R. Results: The search yielded 1187 unique publications, of which 50 were included in the quantitative analysis. The estimated risk of having emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems were 15% (95%CI 10−20%), 12% (95%CI 9−16%), and 12% (95%CI 9−16%), respectively. PBTS were more likely to have emotional difficulties (Hedge’s g = 0.43 [95%CI 0.34−0.52]), psychosocial problems (Hedge’s g = 0.46 [95%CI 0.33−0.58]), and attention problems (Hedge’s g = 0.48 [95%CI 0.34−0.63]) compared to normal/healthy control subjects. There was no significant difference in the rates of neurobehavioral impairment between children with and without history of cranial radiotherapy. Conclusions: PBTS are at elevated risk of neurobehavioral impairment. Neurobehavioral monitoring should be considered as the standard of care for PBTS.
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Moscato E, Patronick J, Wade SL. Family functioning and adaptation following pediatric brain tumor: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29470. [PMID: 34842339 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) experience psychosocial difficulties and poor quality of life (QOL). Family functioning may be adversely impacted by the stress of diagnosis and associated symptoms, which may, in turn, affect PBTS outcomes. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review of family functioning and psychosocial outcomes in PBTS. METHODS We conducted systematic searches of PubMed and PsychInfo. Full-text articles (n = 324) were screened and 14 were included. A risk-of-bias assessment was conducted to evaluate the quality of study conclusions. RESULTS Studies examined associations of family functioning with adaptive, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes, and QOL. More adaptive family functioning (cohesiveness, effective communication, lower conflict) was associated with better PBTS outcomes. Studies were limited by heterogeneous/small samples and cross-sectional designs. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary support for the relationship between family functioning and psychosocial outcomes. Common outcome measures and prospective research designs can further advance understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Moscato
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Young K, Bowers A, Bradford N. Families' experiences of child and adolescent brain tumor: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1643-1662. [PMID: 34124814 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Brain tumors are the most common and fatal of all solid tumors for children and adolescents; those who survive live with long-term physical and emotional consequences, as do their families. We aimed to synthesize relevant qualitative evidence on families' experiences and psychosocial service needs across the lifespan to identify gaps in care delivery and research. METHODS Searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science. Identified papers were assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted into NVivo12 and analyzed by qualitative description and, where appropriate, thematic analysis. RESULTS The search yielded 628 papers, of which 40 (33 studies) were eligible (6%). Although the methodological quality of the papers was low, we identified concerns that were consistently reported over time and from different perspectives. Individual family members had varying psychosocial needs to be addressed within healthcare, schooling, and public policy. These include for survivor's mental health (particularly for body image), and to the disproportionate biopsychosocial burden faced by mother-caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Addressing the biological aspects of brain tumor cannot be our only focus. We have an obligation to provide services that meet the needs of families across diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Center, Center for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alison Bowers
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Center, Center for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Center, Center for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Schulte F, Forbes C, Wurz A, Patton M, Russell KB, Pluijm S, Krull KR. Childhood Cancer Survivorship: Daily Challenges. Pediatr Clin North Am 2020; 67:1083-1101. [PMID: 33131536 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of experiencing fatigue, pain, lower levels of physical activity, increased engagement in risky health behavior, and poor social adjustment, after finishing treatment. Risks are more pronounced for survivors of specific diagnoses or receiving specific treatment protocols. Interventions to address these outcomes are in their infancy. Future research should focus on exploring the antecedents and consequences of these outcomes. In the meantime, researchers and cancer centers should attempt to provide high-quality and accessible health information to survivors through various media outlets to encourage healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Schulte
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Caitlin Forbes
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda Wurz
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Saskia Pluijm
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin R Krull
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Bourque CJ, Bonanno M, Dumont É, Gaucher N, Lacoste-Julien A, Gomez-Tyo M, Langlet MF, Sultan S. The Integration of Resource Patients in Collaborative Research: A Mixed Method Assessment of the Nesting Dolls Design. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1830-1838. [PMID: 32418681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This is a quality assessment of a research design developed for a collaborative study on adolescents and young adults who survived a brain tumor. METHODS A descriptive and critical mixed methods approach was used to assess the design itself, the quality and information power of the database and the integration of collaborators. Project documentation, field notes and transcripts from focus groups interviews(n = 19) were used for the evaluation, which was based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS The design proved to be pertinent to resolve methodological stakes in a "fragile field". The mobilisation of collaborators as members of a "Sherpa team" in all phases of the project helped the team create a progressive focus approach well-adapted for data gathering and analysis as well as produce a high-quality database. CONCLUSION The Nesting Dolls Design including the didactic approach developed along the deployment of the project helped researchers, clinicians and resource patients/parents understand the research procedures and the roles of all collaborators. This fostered a meaningful engagement in the project. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Resources and time for training, communication and supervision are necessary to reach the objectives of collaborative research involving novices and are worth the time and efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Julie Bourque
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital (CHUSJ) Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Marco Bonanno
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montréal, Canada
| | - Émilie Dumont
- Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nathalie Gaucher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, Division of Emergency Medicine, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Mathias Gomez-Tyo
- Leucan (Québec association for parents of children with cancer), Montréal, Canada
| | - Marie-France Langlet
- Patients-Families-Providers Partnership Office, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montréal, Canada
| | - Serge Sultan
- Psycho-Oncology Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montréal, Canada
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Hocking MC, Parish-Morris J, Schultz RT, Minturn JE, Brodsky C, Shabason EK, Herrington JD. Diminished social attention in pediatric brain tumor survivors: Using eye tracking technology during naturalistic social perception. Neuropsychology 2020; 34:350-358. [PMID: 31999166 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The etiology of pediatric brain tumor survivor (PBTSs) social difficulties is not well understood. A model of social competence for youth with brain disorder and evidence from youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests that diminished social attention may underlie social deficits in PBTSs. This study used eye tracking technology to compare visual social attention in PBTSs, youth with ASD, and typically developing (TD) youth. METHODS Participants included 90 age-, gender-, and IQ-matched youth (N = 30 per group). PBTSs were at least 5 years from diagnosis and 2 years from the completion of tumor-directed therapy. Participants' eye gaze patterns were recorded while watching an established social play paradigm that presented videos of children engaging in either interactive or parallel play. Group differences in proportional gaze duration toward social versus nonsocial areas of interest were compared. Medical correlates of social attention in PBTSs were evaluated. RESULTS Groups significantly differed in gaze preference across conditions, with PBTSs looking less at social areas of interest than TD youth and in a manner comparable to youth with ASD. Among PBTSs, multimodal tumor-directed therapy was associated with reduced gaze preference for faces. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence of disrupted social attention in PBTSs, with parallels to the social attention deficits observed in ASD. Findings offer a new way to conceptualize the social difficulties of PBTSs and could guide interventions aimed at improving PBTS social adjustment by increasing visual attention to socially relevant information during social interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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The Many Roles of the Rock: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Roles and Responsibilities of Fathers of Children with Brain Tumors. CHILDREN-BASEL 2019; 6:children6100113. [PMID: 31614522 PMCID: PMC6826713 DOI: 10.3390/children6100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A pediatric brain tumor diagnosis impacts an entire family unit, from diagnosis through curative treatment, and into survivorship or bereavement. Paternal caregiver experience has been significantly underexplored in pediatric neuro-oncology research as compared to maternal experience. This case series study explores the paternal roles, responsibilities, strengths, challenges, personal growth, and support needs of fathers of children with brain tumors receiving new palliative care consultations. In the study setting, a neuro-oncology diagnosis results in an automatic referral to the palliative care team, and thus, a convenience sampling model was employed based on consecutive palliative care consults for new childhood brain tumor diagnoses. In this study, four fathers of pediatric brain tumor patients receiving palliative care consultations responded to eight open-ended questions. Individual, voice-recorded interviews were transcribed for semantic content qualitative analysis. Analysis followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Participants completed quantitative surveys of their information preferences and support needs. Participants defined their father role as: being a team parent, an adaptable father, supporter, provider, a present father, and protector. Role conflict due to paternal responsibilities were recognized, such as the absence from the hospital to provide financial security for the family, and yet a desire to be physically present for the child. Fathers prioritized their knowledge needs about their child’s diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment above emotional needs. Fathers shared experiences of their personal growth through their child’s brain tumor diagnosis and advised on preferred support formats to include both verbal and written information. Understanding how paternal caregivers of children with cancer define their roles and goals has potential to improve the care and communication delivered to families of pediatric neuro-oncology patients.
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