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Takenouchi N, Matsuoka M. The Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults in Their Cancer Journeys in Japan: I Try to Move Forward With Feeling That I Would Be Okay With "My Cancer". J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39008423 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0017] [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: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: A cancer diagnosis can greatly affect adolescents and young adults (AYAs), especially those in their late teens and early twenties, who might have their special needs. This study aimed to understand the experiences of the AYAs who were diagnosed between 15 and 24 years of age in Japan, thinking about the care guide supporting them, from the time of their cancer diagnosis through the rest of their lives. Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis of the transcripts was used to categorize these into themes for comprehensive interpretation. Results: Twenty AYAs participated; they were diagnosed between the ages 15 and 23 and were 19-29 years old at the time of the interview. In total, 14 core categories were identified, consisting of three themes (1) There is a feeling of distance between the cancer and me, (2) I face "my cancer" in my way, and (3) I feel that I would be okay with "my cancer." Conclusions: AYAs had their way of dealing with cancer while experiencing a distant feeling between themselves and the presence of the disease during their cancer journey. Although the process was not simple, they tried to live their lives in their own way, believing that they would be okay. Nurses must respect and understand that AYAs have a process of facing their own cancer with time and watch over AYAs' experiences to appropriately support them to successfully proceed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takenouchi
- University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mari Matsuoka
- School of Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
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Twivy E, Griffiths H, Knight MTD. Evaluating end of treatment care of young people with cancer. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:661-673. [PMID: 37773596 PMCID: PMC10945980 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231204073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature implies there may be gaps in post-treatment support for young people with cancer. This service evaluation explored the needs and experiences of young people when ending cancer treatment in a UK children's hospital to inform service provisions. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine young people, aged 13-18 years, who had finished active cancer treatment and were receiving follow-up care. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Four main themes were developed: being in the dark (i.e. limited awareness of what happens when treatment ends); separation from the hospital (i.e. the loss of valued support from staff); consequences of cancer (i.e. managing ongoing psychological and physical effects); and getting back to normal life (i.e. shifting from hospital to everyday life). CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for improving clinical practice were made. Greater preparedness for ending treatment could be achieved by clearly setting out ongoing care arrangements, providing resource packs, having opportunities to mark the end of treatment, and offering peer support. To identify specific post-treatment needs, there should be an end of treatment multidisciplinary review and space for young people to share how they are feeling in follow-up medical appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Twivy
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Griffiths
- Oxford Children’s Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Matthew TD Knight
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, UK
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Hughes L, Taylor RM, Beckett AE, Lindner OC, Martin A, McCulloch J, Morgan S, Soanes L, Uddin R, Stark DP. The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study of Adolescent and Young Adult Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1332. [PMID: 38611010 PMCID: PMC11010824 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071332] [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] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The biographical disruption that occurs in adolescents and young adults following a cancer diagnosis can affect various important psychosocial domains including relationships with family and friends, sexual development, vocational and educational trajectories, and physical and emotional wellbeing. While there is evidence of the physical impact of cancer during this period, less is known about the impact on emotional wellbeing and especially on the barriers for young people accessing help and support. We aimed to obtain a more in-depth understanding of young people's experiences of their diagnosis, treatment, psychological impact, and range of resources they could or wanted to access for their mental health. We conducted an in-depth qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 43 young people who had developed cancer aged 16 to 39 years and were either within 6 months of diagnosis or 3-5 years after treatment had ended. Framework analysis identified three themes: the emotional impact of cancer (expressed through anxiety, anger, and fear of recurrence); personal barriers to support through avoidance; and support to improve mental health through mental health services or adolescent and young adult treatment teams. We showed the barriers young people have to access care, particularly participant avoidance of support. Interrupting this process to better support young people and provide them with flexible, adaptable, consistent, long-term psychological support has the potential to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Hughes
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2PG, UK;
| | - Rachel M. Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and AHP Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2PG, UK;
- Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Angharad E. Beckett
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.E.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Oana C. Lindner
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.U.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Adam Martin
- Academic Unit of Health Economics, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Joanne McCulloch
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.E.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK;
| | | | - Rizwana Uddin
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.U.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Dan P. Stark
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.U.); (D.P.S.)
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Keller MC, Needham A, Holden E, Engelke K, Foy K, Hart L, Hinderer K. We Are Done! Now What? Exploring End of Treatment Needs of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:96-106. [PMID: 38238967 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231194598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background: Increased childhood cancer survival rates have spurred a new body of research pertaining to the cancer-survivorship continuum. Literature suggests a lack of research and guidelines for care at the end of treatment (EOT). To improve the transition to survivorship and determine any posttreatment challenges, this study explored the experiences of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), parents/caregivers, and pediatric oncology health care professionals (HCPs) at EOT. Method: This study employed a mixed methods design. EOT Questionnaires were completed by CCSs and parents/caregivers within 6 months of completing treatment, and by pediatric oncology HCPs. Results: A total of 75 CCSs and parents/caregivers and 21 HCPs completed the study. The majority of parents/caregivers (78%) and older CCSs (94%) recalled having an EOT "meeting." Most were satisfied with the meeting, but described unexpected worries/problems following EOT. Family members stating they were "very satisfied" with the EOT meeting increased significantly relative to the number of EOT topics addressed. In contrast, the omission of certain psychosocial discussion topics negatively correlated with satisfaction. Oncologists provided the majority of EOT services, with infrequent provision by other HCPs. Less than 20% of HCPs characterized families as "very satisfied" with EOT services and suggested improvements to meet families' needs. Discussion: This study found unmet psychosocial and anticipatory guidance needs, indicating a lack of preparedness. The results suggest that end of cancer treatment requires a more standardized, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach. Enhanced education and support services are needed to promote the successful navigation of all families through this period of transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Conway Keller
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Needham
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Holden
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Karina Engelke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Kelly Foy
- Child and Family Support Services, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Leigh Hart
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Katherine Hinderer
- Institute of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCONN School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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5
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Bentsen L, Hanghøj S, Hjerming M, Bergmann MB, Thycosen M, Borup A, Larsen C, Pappot H. Development of Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Using a Patient Support Smartphone App: Prepost Interventional Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e49735. [PMID: 38048144 PMCID: PMC10734624 DOI: 10.2196/49735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults often experience existential concerns in addition to side effects during a cancer trajectory, which they often carry alone. Thus, cohesion with other adolescents and young adults with cancer is essential but difficult due to the relatively small, widely dispersed nationwide population. In cocreation, a smartphone app has been developed and includes an information bank, a symptom tracker, and a social community platform, aiming to improve the quality of life (QoL) in this patient group. OBJECTIVE This nationwide, multicenter study aimed to investigate the QoL in adolescents and young adults undergoing a cancer trajectory as they used the app for 6 weeks. METHODS Via youth support initiatives, participants were recruited from hospitals in all regions of Denmark. Inclusion criteria were patients with cancer aged 15-29 years who either initiated any cancer treatment or started follow-up after cancer treatment within 30 days. Participants used the adolescents and young adults cancer app for 6 weeks. Before and after the 6 weeks of app use, they completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The participants were divided into a treatment and a follow-up group for analysis. A high score for a functional scale or the global health or overall QoL represents a high or healthy level of functioning or high QoL, respectively; however, a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology. RESULTS Overall, 81 participants were recruited. However, 4 participants did not answer the questionnaire and 6 participants did not use the app. In the treatment group (n=36), significant improvement was found in 2 domains: "Role functioning" (baseline median 33.33, IQR 16.67-83.33 vs 6 weeks median 66.67, IQR 33.33-83.33; P=.04) and "Pain" (baseline median 33.33, IQR 16.67-50.00 vs 6 weeks median 16.67, IQR 0.00-33.33; P=.04). The "Global health/Overall QoL" scale remained stable (baseline median 58.33, IQR 45.83-77.08 vs 6 weeks median 62.50, IQR 41.67-75.00; P=.25). In the follow-up group (n=35), significant improvement was found in 3 domains: "Physical functioning" (baseline median 79.23, IQR 73.33-93.33 vs 6 weeks median 82.86, IQR 73.33-100.00; P=.03), "Cognitive functioning" (baseline median 62.38, IQR 50.00-83.33 vs 6 weeks median 69.52, IQR 50.00-100.00; P=.02), and "Social functioning" (baseline median 76.19, IQR 50.00-100.00 vs 6 weeks median 85.71, IQR 83.33-100.00; P=.05), as well as in the "Global health/Overall QoL" scale (baseline median 57.14, IQR 83.33-100.00 vs 6 weeks median 75.0, IQR 62.91-85.73; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found an improvement in specific QoL scales for both participants in treatment and follow-up when using the app for 6 weeks. The global health or overall QoL score improved significantly in the follow-up group. In the treatment group, it remained stable. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10098.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Bentsen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Hanghøj
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maiken Hjerming
- Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anette Borup
- Department of Blood Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camilla Larsen
- Department of Haematology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Helle Pappot
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Tulk J, Garland SN, Howden K, Glidden C, Scott I, Chalifour K, Eaton G, Mahar A, Oberoi S. Prevalence and factors associated with insomnia symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep Health 2022; 8:410-416. [PMID: 35729003 PMCID: PMC9212947 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.04.005] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly distressing for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. High levels of distress are associated with sleep disturbances. This study examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in AYAs during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified factors related to greater insomnia severity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS An online survey was administered to Canadian AYAs (N = 805) diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years from January to February 2021. MEASUREMENTS The primary measure was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression examined demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with significant insomnia symptoms (ISI score ≥12). RESULTS Three hundred twelve (38.8%) participants reported insomnia symptoms. In the multivariable model, severe psychological distress (ie, depression and anxiety; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 28.75, p ≤.001), having a pre-existing mental health condition (AOR = 1.92, p = .03), worsened mental health during the pandemic (AOR = 1.73, p = .02), finished cancer treatment ≥1 year ago (AOR = 1.72, p = .03), and experiencing no changes to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.18, p = .004) were associated with significant insomnia symptoms. Standardized coefficients also indicated that worrying about possible disruptions to cancer care and being a homemaker/caretaker contributed to insomnia symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 40% of AYAs with cancer reported insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insomnia was associated with potentially modifiable factors such as psychological distress, highlighting possible targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Tulk
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada; Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada.
| | - Kaitlyn Howden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Camille Glidden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ian Scott
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Geoff Eaton
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Larsen EH, Mellblom AV, Ruud E, Wahl AK, Lie HC. Prepared for survivorship? Multidisciplinary healthcare professionals' experiences with adolescents’ transition off cancer treatment: A focus group study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 58:102150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Taylor RM, Fern LA, Barber J, Gibson F, Lea S, Patel N, Morris S, Alvarez-Galvez J, Feltbower R, Hooker L, Martins A, Stark D, Raine R, Whelan JS. Specialist cancer services for teenagers and young adults in England: BRIGHTLIGHT research programme. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar09120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background
When cancer occurs in teenagers and young adults, the impact is far beyond the physical disease and treatment burden. The effect on psychological, social, educational and other normal development can be profound. In addition, outcomes including improvements in survival and participation in clinical trials are poorer than in younger children and older adults with similar cancers. These unique circumstances have driven the development of care models specifically for teenagers and young adults with cancer, often focused on a dedicated purpose-designed patient environments supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the needs of teenagers and young adults. In England, this is commissioned by NHS England and delivered through 13 principal treatment centres. There is a lack of evaluation that identifies the key components of specialist care for teenagers and young adults, and any improvement in outcomes and costs associated with it.
Objective
To determine whether or not specialist services for teenagers and young adults with cancer add value.
Design
A series of multiple-methods studies centred on a prospective longitudinal cohort of teenagers and young adults who were newly diagnosed with cancer.
Settings
Multiple settings, including an international Delphi study of health-care professionals, qualitative observation in specialist services for teenagers and young adults, and NHS trusts.
Participants
A total of 158 international teenage and young adult experts, 42 health-care professionals from across England, 1143 teenagers and young adults, and 518 caregivers.
Main outcome measures
The main outcomes were specific to each project: key areas of competence for the Delphi survey; culture of teenagers and young adults care in the case study; and unmet needs from the caregiver survey. The primary outcome for the cohort participants was quality of life and the cost to the NHS and patients in the health economic evaluation.
Data sources
Multiple sources were used, including responses from health-care professionals through a Delphi survey and face-to-face interviews, interview data from teenagers and young adults, the BRIGHTLIGHT survey to collect patient-reported data, patient-completed cost records, hospital clinical records, routinely collected NHS data and responses from primary caregivers.
Results
Competencies associated with specialist care for teenagers and young adults were identified from a Delphi study. The key to developing a culture of teenage and young adult care was time and commitment. An exposure variable, the teenagers and young adults Cancer Specialism Scale, was derived, allowing categorisation of patients to three groups, which were defined by the time spent in a principal treatment centre: SOME (some care in a principal treatment centre for teenagers and young adults, and the rest of their care in either a children’s or an adult cancer unit), ALL (all care in a principal treatment centre for teenagers and young adults) or NONE (no care in a principal treatment centre for teenagers and young adults). The cohort study showed that the NONE group was associated with superior quality of life, survival and health status from 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. The ALL group was associated with faster rates of quality-of-life improvement from 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. The SOME group was associated with poorer quality of life and slower improvement in quality of life over time. Economic analysis revealed that NHS costs and travel costs were similar between the NONE and ALL groups. The ALL group had greater out-of-pocket expenses, and the SOME group was associated with greater NHS costs and greater expense for patients. However, if caregivers had access to a principal treatment centre for teenagers and young adults (i.e. in the ALL or SOME groups), then they had fewer unmet support and information needs.
Limitations
Our definition of exposure to specialist care using Hospital Episode Statistics-determined time spent in hospital was insufficient to capture the detail of episodes or account for the variation in specialist services. Quality of life was measured first at 6 months, but an earlier measure may have shown different baselines.
Conclusions
We could not determine the added value of specialist cancer care for teenagers and young adults as defined using the teenage and young adult Cancer Specialism Scale and using quality of life as a primary end point. A group of patients (i.e. those defined as the SOME group) appeared to be less advantaged across a range of outcomes. There was variation in the extent to which principal treatment centres for teenagers and young adults were established, and the case study indicated that the culture of teenagers and young adults care required time to develop and embed. It will therefore be important to establish whether or not the evolution in services since 2012–14, when the cohort was recruited, improves quality of life and other patient-reported and clinical outcomes.
Future work
A determination of whether or not the SOME group has similar or improved quality of life and other patient-reported and clinical outcomes in current teenage and young adult service delivery is essential if principal treatment centres for teenagers and young adults are being commissioned to provide ‘joint care’ models with other providers.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 9, No. 12. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Cancer Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Lea
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nishma Patel
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Morris
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Richard Feltbower
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Louise Hooker
- Wessex Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dan Stark
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rosalind Raine
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Lea S, Martins A, Fern LA, Bassett M, Cable M, Doig G, Morgan S, Soanes L, Whelan M, Taylor RM. The support and information needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer when active treatment ends. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:697. [PMID: 32723357 PMCID: PMC7388472 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The end of active treatment is a period of high stress for young people with cancer, but limited literature exists about their information and support needs during this phase. This study aimed to understand the needs of young people with cancer, how these needs are currently being met, and how best to provide information and support at the end of active treatment. Methods This was a multi-stage, mixed methods study exploring the end of treatment experience from the perspectives of young people, and the healthcare professionals caring for them. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with healthcare professionals, which informed a survey administered nationally. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people. These combined results informed a co-design workshop to develop recommendations. Results Telephone interviews were conducted with 12 healthcare professionals and 49 completed the online survey. A total of 11 young people aged 19–26 years (female = 8; 73%) were interviewed. The stakeholder workshop was attended by both healthcare professionals (n = 8) and young people (n = 3). At the end of treatment young people experience numerous ongoing physical issues including pain, fatigue and insomnia; in addition to a range of psychosocial and emotional issues including anxiety, fear of recurrence and isolation. The top three priorities for end of treatment care were: earlier provision and preparation around on-going impact of cancer and cancer treatment; standardised and continued follow-up of young people’s emotional well-being; and development of more information and resources specific to young people. Conclusion The access and availability of appropriate information and sources of support at the end of treatment is variable and inequitable. Young people’s needs would be more effectively met by timely, structured and accessible information, and support provision at the end of treatment to both prepare and enable adaptation across their transition to living with and beyond cancer. This will require both organisational and practical adjustments in care delivery, in addition to a renewed and updated understanding of what the ‘end of treatment’ transition process means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lea
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sue Morgan
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, England
| | - Louise Soanes
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Teenage Cancer Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 1st Floor East, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, England.
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