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Gereis JM, Hetherington K, Robertson EG, Daly R, Donoghoe MW, Ziegler DS, Marshall GM, Lau LMS, Marron JM, Wakefield CE. Parents' and adolescents' perspectives and understanding of information about childhood cancer precision medicine. Cancer 2023; 129:3645-3655. [PMID: 37376781 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision medicine is projected to become integral to childhood cancer care. As such, it is essential to support families to understand what precision medicine entails. METHODS A total of 182 parents and 23 adolescent patients participating in Precision Medicine for Children with Cancer (PRISM), an Australian precision medicine clinical trial for high-risk childhood cancer, completed questionnaires after study enrollment (time 0 [T0]). Of the parents, 108 completed a questionnaire and 45 completed an interview following return of precision medicine results (time 1 [T1]). We analyzed the mixed-methods data comprising measures exploring families' perceptions and understanding of PRISM's participant information sheet and consent form (PISCF), and factors associated with understanding. RESULTS Most parents were satisfied with the PISCF, rating it as at least "somewhat" clearly presented (n = 160/175; 91%) and informative (n = 158/175; 90%). Many suggested improvements including the use of clearer language and a more visually engaging format. Parents' actual understanding of precision medicine was low on average, but scores improved between T0 and T1 (55.8/100-60.0/100; p = .012). Parents from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds (n = 42/177; 25%) had lower actual understanding scores than those from a Western/European background whose first language was English (p = .010). There was little correlation between parents' perceived and actual understanding scores (p = .794; Pearson correlation -0.020; 95% CI, -0.169 to 0.116). Most adolescent patients read the PISCF either "briefly" or "not at all" (70%) and had a perceived understanding score of 63.6/100 on average. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed gaps in families' understanding of childhood cancer precision medicine. We highlighted areas for potential intervention such as through targeted information resources. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Precision medicine is projected to become part of the standard of care for children with cancer. Precision medicine aims to give the right treatment to the right patient and involves several complex techniques, many of which may be challenging to understand. Our study analyzed questionnaire and interview data from parents and adolescent patients enrolled in an Australian precision medicine trial. Findings revealed gaps in families' understanding of childhood cancer precision medicine. Drawing on parents' suggestions and the literature, we make brief recommendations about improving information provision to families, such as through targeted information resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Gereis
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eden G Robertson
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark W Donoghoe
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Loretta M S Lau
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Marron
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Boeriu E, Borda A, Miclea E, Boeriu AI, Vulcanescu DD, Bagiu IC, Horhat FG, Kovacs AF, Avram CR, Diaconu MM, Vlaicu LF, Sirb OD, Arghirescu ST. Prognosis Communication in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:972. [PMID: 37371204 DOI: 10.3390/children10060972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While communication plays an important role in medicine, it also often represents a challenge when the topic at hand is the prognosis of a high-risk condition. When it comes to pediatric oncology, the challenge becomes even greater for physicians who have to adapt their discourse to both the child and their family. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines, an advanced search on PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library was performed, from 1 January 2017 to 31 October 2022. Demographic data for caregivers, pediatric patients and physicians were extracted, as well as diagnosis, prognosis, presence at discussion, emotional states and impact on life, trust, decision roles, communication quality and other outcomes. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were analyzed. Most studies (17) focused on caregivers, while only seven and five studies were focused on children and physicians, respectively. Most parents reported high trust in their physicians (73.01%), taking the leading role in decision making (48%), moderate distress levels (46.68%), a strong desire for more information (78.64%), receiving high-quality information (56.71%) and communication (52.73%). Most children were not present at discussions (63.98%); however, their desire to know more was expressed in three studies. Moreover, only two studies observed children being involved in decision making. Most physicians had less than 20 years of experience (55.02%) and reported the use of both words and statistics (47.3%) as a communication method. CONCLUSIONS Communication research is focused more on caregivers, yet children may understand more than they seem capable of and want to be included in the conversation. More studies should focus on and quantify the opinions of children and their physicians. In order to improve the quality of communication, healthcare workers should receive professional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estera Boeriu
- Department of Pediatrics, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Borda
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eunice Miclea
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amalia-Iulia Boeriu
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Klinikum Rechts der Isar Der Technischen, Universitat Munchen, Ismaninger Street 22, 81675 Munchen, Germany
| | - Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Cristina Bagiu
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin George Horhat
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Flavia Kovacs
- Department of Oncology, Onco-Help Association, Ciprian Porumbescu Street 56-59, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cecilia Roberta Avram
- Department of Residential Training and Post-University Courses, "Vasile Goldis" Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Mircea Mihai Diaconu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Luiza Florina Vlaicu
- Department of Social Assistance, Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, Western University, Vasile Parvan Boulevard 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Otniel Dorian Sirb
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Eduard Pamfil Psychiatry Clinic Timisoara, Iancu Vacarescu Street 21, 300425 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Smaranda Teodora Arghirescu
- Department of Pediatrics, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
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Coats H, Doyon K, Isaacson MJ, Tay D, Rosa WE, Mayahara M, Kates J, Frechman E, Wright PM, Boyden JY, Broden EG, Hinds PS, James R, Keller S, Thrane SE, Mooney-Doyle K, Sullivan SS, Xu J, Tanner J, Natal M. The 2023-2026 Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Research Agenda. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:55-74. [PMID: 36843048 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association established the triannual research agenda to ( a ) provide focus for researchers to conduct meaningful scientific and quality improvement initiatives and inform evidence-based practice, ( b ) guide organizational funding, and ( c ) illustrate to other stakeholders the importance of nursing research foci. HPNA Research Agendas are developed to give direction for future research to continue advancing expert care in serious illness and ensure equitable delivery of hospice and palliative care.
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Barriers and facilitators of Hispanic/Latino parents caregiving for a childhood cancer survivor: a qualitative study. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:151-160. [PMID: 36394697 PMCID: PMC9669534 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This qualitative study aimed to explore Hispanic parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) perceptions of facilitators and barriers to their caregiving experience. METHODS We conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 15 Hispanic/Latino parents (English and Spanish). Parents were recruited using a purposive sampling method in a safety-net hospital in Los Angeles County from July-September 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed in the language they were conducted. Two coders independently coded interviews following reflexive thematic analysis and elements of grounded theory methodology. RESULTS Most caregivers were mothers caring for leukemia CCS who had finished treatment more than 2 years prior. Caregivers expressed gratitude to social workers for introducing and aiding with the application process for safety-net programs that enabled caregivers to focus on their child's care and well-being. Caregivers revealed the importance of supportive communication with the medical team, particularly after their child's treatment was considered complete. All caregivers found caring for a child with cancer overwhelming, and many described deteriorations in their health and well-being. Financial instability, transportation difficulties, and work disruptions were identified as barriers, resulting in caregiver distress. Caregivers also shared the challenges they experienced navigating the healthcare system, seeking care despite lack of legal residency, and staying afloat despite limited employment opportunities. CONCLUSION Improving navigation to resources and improving relationships with the medical team may reduce the perceived caregiving burden among Hispanic/Latino caregivers throughout their family's cancer journey.
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Gouda SR, Hoehn KS. Why the Individual Provider Approach to Pediatric Palliative Care Consultation Exacerbates Healthcare Disparities: A Moral Argument for Standard Referral Criteria. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1086/jce2022334352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sisk BA, Keenan M, Goodman MS, Servin AE, Yaeger LH, Mack JW, DuBois JM. Racial and ethnic disparities in communication study enrollment for young people with cancer: A descriptive analysis of the literature. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2067-2073. [PMID: 34991915 PMCID: PMC9203904 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the racial and ethnic diversity of study participants in recent pediatric cancer communication literature. METHODS We systematically searched for communication studies in pediatric oncology published between January 2018 and September 2020, limiting analysis to US studies. We considered race and ethnicity as separate categories in our analysis. Two authors screened studies and abstracted characteristics of race and ethnicity reporting and enrollment. RESULTS Of 98 articles included in this analysis, many studies failed to report participants' race (21/98) and ethnicity (40/98). Most studies ascertained race and ethnicity by self-report (51/98); 25 studies did not describe how they ascertained race and ethnicity. White participants were overrepresented in studies relative to the US population (median 80% in studies vs 72% in 2020 US census). Racial and ethnic minorities were underrepresented (Black: 7% vs 14%; Asian: 4% vs 7%; Pacific Islander: 0% vs 0.5%; Native American: 0.5% vs 3%; Hispanic 8% vs 19%). CONCLUSION Communication literature in pediatric oncology underrepresents all racial and ethnic minority populations and is inconsistent in the reporting of race and ethnicity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Future work should follow best practices to ensure this literature adequately represents the experiences of all families in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Megan Keenan
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melody S Goodman
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Argentina E Servin
- Department of Medicine, University of California - San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren H Yaeger
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Benini F, Avagnina I, Giacomelli L, Papa S, Mercante A, Perilongo G. Pediatric Palliative Care in Oncology: Basic Principles. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081972. [PMID: 35454879 PMCID: PMC9031296 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary About 4 million children with an oncological disease worldwide require palliative care due to the nature of their condition. The WHO defines pediatric palliative care (PPC) as the prevention and relief of suffering in patients with life-threatening or life-limiting disease and their families. PPC relies on the comprehensive and multidisciplinary management of the child and the family’s physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs. Importantly, PPC begins at the diagnosis of incurability, or supposed incurability, and continues regardless of whether the patient receives any oncological treatment. As such, PPC is a general approach continuing over the entire disease trajectory, which includes, but is not limited to, end-of-life care. This review addresses the value of integrating PPC in treating children with cancer, focusing on the basic principles of PPC and its application in pediatric oncology. Abstract About 4 million children with an oncological disease worldwide require pediatric palliative care (PPC) due to the nature of their condition. PPC is not limited to end-of-life care; it is a general approach continuing over the entire disease trajectory, regardless of whether the patient receives any oncological treatment. This review addresses the value of integrating PPC in treating children with cancer, focusing on the basic principles of PPC and its application in pediatric oncology. Moreover, models for PPC implementation in oncology, end-of-life care, and advanced care planning are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Benini
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Irene Avagnina
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy;
| | | | | | - Anna Mercante
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Perilongo
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.)
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Sisk BA, Harvey K, Friedrich AB, Antes AL, Yaeger LH, Mack JW, DuBois J. Multilevel barriers and facilitators of communication in pediatric oncology: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29405. [PMID: 34662485 PMCID: PMC8875310 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors can facilitate or impede the fulfillment of communication functions in pediatric cancer. In this systematic review, we evaluated 109 studies from the preceding 20 years that presented qualitative or quantitative evidence of barriers or facilitators to communication in pediatric cancer. Using a multilevel framework developed in our prior study, we then analyzed and categorized the levels of barriers and facilitators identified in included studies. The vast majority of studies focused on individual-level barriers, rather than team, organization/system, collaborating hospital, community, or policy-level barriers. Future studies should explore the full range of factors that affect communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kieandra Harvey
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annie B. Friedrich
- Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alison L. Antes
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren H Yaeger
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Dinkelbach L, Galushko M, Oommen-Halbach A, Felek M, Dechert O, Trocan L, Janßen G. Advance care planning and the parental geographical background in pediatric palliative home care: a retrospective chart review. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:2789-2797. [PMID: 35507218 PMCID: PMC9192398 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04469-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The relevance to acknowledge the parental migration history in pediatric palliative care is widely recognized. However, its influence on integral parts of advance care planning (ACP) is unknown. In this non-interventional cohort study, we aimed at identifying systematic differences between pediatric palliative patients with varying parental countries of origin regarding medical orders for life-sustaining treatment and the location of patients' death. Two hundred eighty-eight pediatric cases in an ambulant pediatric palliative care setting in Germany were retrospectively analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models. Agreements on medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) differed significantly between patients with varying parental countries of origin. Full code orders for life-sustaining treatment were made more often in Turkish families than in German families. There were no significant associations between the patients' location of death and the parental countries of origin. However, confounder-analysis revealed a strong association between the patients' underlying disease and the orders for life-sustaining treatment as well as the location of death.Conclusions: Even this study indicates that the parental geographical background as an important sociocultural aspect might have an impact on ACP decisions for children and adolescents with life-limiting conditions, other factors as the patients' underlying disease can be more crucial for decision making in pediatric palliative care. The reason for the differences found might lay in cultural preferences or barriers to appropriate care. The inclusion of sociocultural aspects in decision-making is crucial to guarantee culture-sensitive, patient-centered pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Dinkelbach
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany. .,Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, HELIOS Klinikum Krefeld, Lutherplatz 40, 47805, Krefeld, Germany.
| | - Maren Galushko
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne Oommen-Halbach
- Department of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Melisa Felek
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Oliver Dechert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Trocan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Gisela Janßen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Jonas D, Scanlon C, Bogetz JF. Parental Decision-Making for Children With Medical Complexity: An Integrated Literature Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e111-e123. [PMID: 34363953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with medical complexity (CMC) have multiple significant chronic health conditions that result in functional limitations and high health care utilization. The population of CMC is increasing and parent decision-making for this population is nuanced. OBJECTIVES To review the literature specifically related to the parent experience of medical decision-making for CMC from the parent perspective. METHODS A comprehensive, systematic approach was undertaken with the goal of identifying emergent themes in the existing literature as well as implications for clinical practice and future research. PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched for English-language articles published between 1995-2020 that focused on parent experiences/perspectives using the search terms: children with medical complexity, children with serious illness, parent decision-making, parent experience, goals of care, parental priorities, advance care planning, and shared decision-making. RESULTS The search yielded 300 unique manuscripts; including 32 empirical articles incorporated in this review. The synthesized findings were broken down into three main sections: 1. types of decisions that parents of CMC face, 2. key factors that influence parental decision-making for CMC, and 3. reasons that the decision-making process for parents of CMC is unique. The findings suggest that parents should be considered experts in their child's care and should be incorporated in shared decision-making in a culturally appropriate manner. CMC should have their personhood valued and providers require specialized training in communication. CONCLUSIONS Parents of CMC have unique needs in their decision-making process and benefit from shared decision-making, continuity of care, collaborative communication and tailored, individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Jonas
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Caitlin Scanlon
- Pediatric Palliative Care Team, Riley Hospital For Children, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jori F Bogetz
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mack JW, Jaung T, Uno H, Brackett J. Parent and Clinician Perspectives on Challenging Parent-Clinician Relationships in Pediatric Oncology. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2132138. [PMID: 34787658 PMCID: PMC8600390 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.32138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Parents of children with cancer value strong therapeutic relationships with oncology clinicians, but not every relationship is positive. OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of challenging parent-clinician relationships in pediatric oncology and factors associated with these challenges from parent and clinician perspectives. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey was conducted among parents and oncology clinicians of children with cancer within 3 months of diagnosis from November 2015 to July 2019 at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children's Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital. Participants were 400 parents of children with cancer and 80 clinicians (ie, oncology physicians and nurse practitioners). Parents completed surveys about relationships with 1 to 2 primary oncology clinicians; clinicians completed surveys about relationships with parents. Data were analyzed from July 2020 to August 2021. EXPOSURES At least 3 previous clinical visits between parent and clinician. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The Relationship Challenges Scale Parent Version and Clinician Version were developed and used to measure threats to the therapeutic alliance. For the Relationship Challenges Scale-Parent version, relationships were considered challenging if a parent responded to any single question in the 2 lowest of 4 possible categories. For the Relationship Challenges Scale-Clinician version, challenges were considered to be present if a clinician reported responses in the 3 lowest of 6 possible response categories to any question. RESULTS Among 400 parents, there were 298 [74.5%] women, 25 Asian individuals (6.3%), 28 Black individuals (7.0%), 97 Hispanic individuals (24.3%), 223 White individuals (55.8%), and 10 individuals (2.4%) with other race or ethnicity; race and ethnicity data were missing for 17 (4.3%) individuals. Among 80 clinicians, there were 57 (71.3%) women, 38 attending physicians (47.5%), 32 fellows (40.0%), and 10 nurse practitioners (12.5%). Parents identified 676 unique relationships with clinicians, and clinician reports were available for 338 relationships. Among 338 relationships with paired parent and clinician surveys, 81 relationships (24.0%) were considered challenging by parents, 127 relationships (37.6%) were considered challenging by clinicians, and 33 relationships (9.8%) were considered challenging by parent and clinician. Parents with Asian or other race or ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] vs White parents, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.59-8.26) or who had lower educational attainment (OR for ≤high school vs >high school, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.56-5.90) were more likely to experience relationships as challenging. Clinicians used a variety of strategies more frequently in 127 relationships in which they perceived challenges vs 211 relationships in which they did not perceive challenges, such as holding regular family meetings (22 relationships [17.3%] vs 13 relationships [6.2%]; P = .009) and offering extra time and attention (66 relationships [52%] vs 60 relationships [28.4%]; P < .001). However, these strategies were not used with increased frequency when parents experienced relationships as challenging vs when parents did not experience this. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This survey study found that nearly one-quarter of parents of children with cancer reported challenges in the therapeutic relationship with their oncologist and that clinicians used strategies to improve relationships more frequently when they experienced the relationship as challenging. These findings suggest that new strategies are needed to improve experiences for parents and to help clinicians recognize and attend to parents whose experiences are suboptimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W. Mack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Population Sciences Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tim Jaung
- Division of Population Sciences Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hajime Uno
- Division of Population Sciences Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julienne Brackett
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
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Sisk BA, Schulz GL, Blazin LJ, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois JM. Parental views on communication between children and clinicians in pediatric oncology: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4957-4968. [PMID: 33569673 PMCID: PMC8295182 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Communication is essential to providing family-centered care in pediatric oncology. Previously, we developed a functional model of communication between parents and clinicians. Prior research has not examined the domains and purposes of communication between children and clinicians. We explored parental perspectives to begin understanding this communication. METHODS Secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer across 3 academic medical centers during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. We employed semantic content analysis, using the functional model of parental communication as an a priori framework. RESULTS We identified 6 distinct functions of communication in child-clinician interactions: building relationships, promoting patient engagement, addressing emotions, exchanging information, managing uncertainty, and fostering hope. These communication functions were identified by parents of older (> 13 years old) and younger (< 12 years old) children, although the specific manifestations sometimes differed by age. Notably, age was not always an indicator of the child's communication needs. For example, some parents noted older children who did not want to discuss difficult topics, whereas other parent described younger children who wanted to know every detail. Two functions from the previous parental model of communication were absent from this analysis: supporting family self-management and making decisions. CONCLUSION Interviews with 80 parents provided evidence for 6 distinct functions of communication between children and clinicians. These functions apply to older and younger children, although specific manifestations might vary by age. This functional model provides a framework to guide clinicians' communication efforts and future communication research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Ginny L Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lindsay J Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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DeGroote NP, Allen KE, Falk EE, Velozzi-Averhoff C, Wasilewski-Masker K, Johnson K, Brock KE. Relationship of race and ethnicity on access, timing, and disparities in pediatric palliative care for children with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:923-930. [PMID: 34409499 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric palliative care (PPC) improves quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer. Little is known about disparities between different racial and ethnic groups in the frequency and timing of PPC referrals. We evaluated the impact of race and ethnicity on the frequency and timing of PPC referral after initiation of an embedded PPO clinic where no formal consultation triggers exist. METHODS Patients with cancer between 0 and 25 years at diagnosis who experienced a high-risk event between July 2015 and June 2018 were eligible. Demographic, disease, and PPC information were obtained. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess likelihood of receiving PPC services by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Of 426 patients who experienced a high-risk event, 48% were non-Hispanic White, 31% were non-Hispanic Black, 15% were Hispanic of any race, and 4% were non-Hispanic Asian. No significant differences were found between race/ethnicity and age at diagnosis/death, sex, and diagnosis. PPC consultation (p = 0.03) differed by race. Non-Hispanic Black patients were 1.7 times more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to receive PPC after adjustment (p = 0.01). White patients spent less days in the hospital in the last 90 days of life (3.0 days) compared with Black (8.0), Asian (12.5), or Hispanic patients (14.0, p = 0.009) CONCLUSION: Disparities exist in patients receiving pediatric oncology and PPC services. Cultural tendencies as well as unconscious and cultural biases may affect PPC referral by race and ethnicity. Better understanding of cultural tendencies and biases may improve end-of-life outcomes for children and young adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen E Allen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erin E Falk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Khaliah Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Fisher RS, Kenney AE, Fults MZ, Manring S, Rodriguez EM, Desjardins L, Rausch JR, Young-Saleme T, Ranalli MA, Vannatta K, Compas BE, Gerhardt CA. Longitudinal understanding of prognosis among adolescents with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28826. [PMID: 33320998 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite calls to increase prognosis communication for adolescents with cancer, limited research has examined their perceptions of prognosis as compared with their parents. We assessed adolescents' understanding of their prognosis relative to parents and oncologists. METHODS Families of adolescents (aged 10-17) were recruited at two pediatric institutions following a new diagnosis or relapse. Seventy-four adolescents, 68 mothers, and 40 fathers participated at enrollment; 76 adolescents, 69 mothers, and 35 fathers participated one year later. The adolescent's primary oncologist reported on prognosis only at enrollment. Participants rated the likelihood of the adolescent's survival in five years, as well as reporting prognosis communication and sources of information. RESULTS Most oncologists (65%) and fathers (63%) discussed prognosis in numerical terms with the adolescent at baseline, which was greater than mother report (49%) of discussions of numerical prognosis with adolescents. Adolescents reported a better prognosis than oncologists, but comparable with mothers at diagnosis and one year. Adolescents' prognosis estimates were stable over time (P > .05). At diagnosis, adolescent-father (P = 0.025) and adolescent-oncologist (P < 0.001) discrepancies were larger for youth with advanced than non-advanced cancer. Adolescents whose parents received numerical prognosis estimates from the oncologist, and whose fathers reported providing numerical prognosis estimates had more accurate understandings of prognosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent prognosis estimates were comparable with those of parents at diagnosis and one year but more favorable than that of oncologists. Although additional research is needed, results suggest discrepancies in prognosis estimates between family members and oncologists, particularly for adolescents with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Fisher
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Marci Z Fults
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samantha Manring
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Erin M Rodriguez
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | | | - Joseph R Rausch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tammi Young-Saleme
- Division of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark A Ranalli
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kathryn Vannatta
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Cervantes-Ortega M, Du S, Biegler KA, Al-Majid S, Davis KC, Chen Y, Kobsa A, Mukamel DB, Sorkin DH. Participatory decision-making for cancer care in a high-risk sample of low income Mexican-American breast cancer survivors: The role of acculturation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 6:35-43. [PMID: 33898743 DOI: 10.5430/ijh.v6n2p35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite declining cancer incidence and mortality rates, Latina patients continue to have lower 5-year survival rates compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Much of this difference has been attributed to lack of healthcare access and poorer quality of care. Research, however, has not considered the unique healthcare experiences of Latina patients. Methods Latina women with prior diagnoses of stage 0-III breast cancer were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey assessing several socio-demographic factors along with their experiences as cancer patients. Using a series of linear regression models in a sample of 68 Mexican-American breast cancer survivors, we examined the extent to which patients' ratings of provider interpersonal quality of care were associated with patients' overall healthcare quality, and how these associations varied by acculturation status. Results Findings for Latina women indicated that both participatory decision-making (PDM) (β = 0.62, p < .0001) and trust (β = 0.53, p = .02) were significantly associated with patients' ratings of healthcare quality. The interaction between acculturation and PDM further suggested that participating in the decision-making process mattered more for less acculturated than for more acculturated patients (β = -0.51, p ≤ .01). Conclusions The variation across low and high acculturated Latinas in their decision-making process introduces a unique challenge to health care providers. Further understanding the relationship between provider-patient experiences and ratings of overall healthcare quality is critical for ultimately improving health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Senxi Du
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kelly A Biegler
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Sadeeka Al-Majid
- School of Nursing, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, USA
| | - Katelyn C Davis
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Yunan Chen
- Department of Informatics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Alfred Kobsa
- Department of Informatics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA.,Department of Computer Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Dana B Mukamel
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Dara H Sorkin
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
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