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Fisher AP, Patronick J, Moscato EL, Gerhardt CA, Treble-Barna A, Radonovich K, Wade SL. Barriers to Care and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Adolescent and Emerging Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:469-480. [PMID: 38100322 PMCID: PMC11296316 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) commonly experience mental health challenges, which can be exacerbated during adolescence and emerging adulthood (AEA). We examined survivors and caregivers' perceived need for mental health services and barriers to receiving mental health care. Methods: Families completed surveys to assess perceived need for mental health services, socioemotional impairment, and barriers to mental health services. Survivors were between 13 and 25 years of age and were at least 5 years from diagnosis. Results: Sixty-nine caregiver-PBTS dyads participated, as well as 18 survivors and 20 caregivers who participated individually. Approximately half of survivors were male (n = 57, 52.3%), 85% (n = 93) were White, and their average age was 19.31. Most caregivers (n = 63, 70.8%) and survivors (n = 55, 63.2%) endorsed need for services for the survivors. Adolescents endorsed more barriers related to perceived helpfulness, t(18) = 2.3, p = 0.03, d = 0.54, and effects of services, t(18) = 3.8, p < 0.001, d = 0.88, than their caregivers. Emerging adults, t(34) = 2.4, p = 0.02, d = 0.41, endorsed more content barriers than their caregivers.. Discussion: Both survivors and their caregivers reported obstacles to accessing mental health services such as perceived lack of need, concerns regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of services, and limited knowledge about the content of services. Psychoeducation and psychosocial screening can support families in understanding survivors' need for mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P. Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily L. Moscato
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amery Treble-Barna
- Neurodevelopmental Center, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Krestin Radonovich
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shari L. Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Taylor RM, Whelan JS, Barber JA, Alvarez-Galvez J, Feltbower RG, Gibson F, Stark DP, Fern LA. The Impact of Specialist Care on Teenage and Young Adult Patient-Reported Outcomes in England: A BRIGHTLIGHT Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:492-501. [PMID: 38285524 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0141] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: In England, health care policy promotes specialized age-appropriate cancer services for teenagers and young adults (TYA), for those aged 13-24 years at diagnosis. Specialist Principal Treatment Centers (PTCs) provide enhanced age-specific care for TYA, although many still receive all or some of their care in adult or children's cancer services. Our aim was to determine the patient-reported outcomes associated with TYA-PTC based care. Methods: We conducted a multicenter cohort study, recruiting 1114 TYA aged 13-24 years at diagnosis. Data collection involved a bespoke survey at 6,12,18, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis. Confounder adjusted analyses of perceived social support, illness perception, anxiety and depression, and health status, compared patients receiving NO-TYA-PTC care with those receiving ALL-TYA-PTC and SOME-TYA-PTC care. Results: Eight hundred and thirty completed the first survey. There was no difference in perceived social support, anxiety, or depression between the three categories of care. Significantly higher illness perception was observed in the ALL-TYA-PTC and SOME-TYA-PTC group compared to the NO-TYA-PTC group, (adjusted difference in mean (ADM) score on Brief Illness Perception scale 2.28 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.48-4.09) and 2.93 [1.27-4.59], respectively, p = 0.002). Similarly, health status was significantly better in the NO-TYA-PTC (ALL-TYA-PTC: ADM -0.011 [95%CI -0.046 to 0.024] and SOME-TYA-PTC: -0.054 [-0.086 to -0.023]; p = 0.006). Conclusion: The reason for the difference in perceived health status is unclear. TYA who accessed a TYA-PTC (all or some care) had higher perceived illness. This may reflect greater education and promotion of self-care by health care professionals in TYA units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie A Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Richard G Feltbower
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Faith Gibson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dan P Stark
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University Hospitals London, London, United Kingdom
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Critoph DJ, Cable M, Farmer J, Hatcher HM, Kuhn I, Taylor RM, Smith LAM. Is there scope to do better? Clinical communication with adolescents and young adults with cancer-A scoping review. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6317. [PMID: 38573227 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION How to communicate effectively with adolescent and young adults with cancer (AYACs) is a research priority. In a UK-wide survey of young people with cancer's research priorities, communication was a striking cross-cutting theme. It is increasingly recognised that AYACs have experiences and communication needs that differ significantly from those of younger children and older adults. The purpose of this review is to explore the features of effective clinical communication with AYACs. METHODS A literature search was undertaken to identify and map the available evidence using a broad scope to get an overview of the pertinent literature, identify knowledge gaps and clarify concepts. The searches yielded 5825 records, generating 4040 unique articles. These were screened and 71 full articles were read by four researchers with disagreements resolved by discussion leaving 29 included articles. Narrative synthesis was undertaken in relation to each of the research questions. RESULTS Three key themes were identified: being an adolescent/young adult, supporters, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). AYACs need to feel that HCPs understand their unique perspective. They want to be involved, this changes over time and in different contexts. Supporters are a central tenet, are most often parents and undertake several roles which are not always universally supportive. HCPs enable involvement of AYACs, and this needs to be actively promoted. AYACs preference for their level of involvement requires continual assessment. The three themes are interlinked and exist within the wider scope of the triadic encounter and cancer experience. CONCLUSION Supporters, most often parents were a key feature across the data and were seemingly paradoxical in nature. Triadic communication, the presence of a third person, is a central tenet of communication with AYACs and we propose a conceptual model to represent the nuances, components, and facets of this complex communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Critoph
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Cable
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jessica Farmer
- Haematology & Oncology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helen M Hatcher
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- Isla Kuhn, Head of Medical Library Services, University of Cambridge Medical Library, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke A M Smith
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Critoph DJ, Taylor RM, Spathis A, Duschinsky R, Hatcher H, Clyne E, Kuhn I, Smith LAM. Triadic communication with teenagers and young adults with cancer: a systematic literature review - 'make me feel like I'm not the third person'. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080024. [PMID: 38367963 PMCID: PMC10875529 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080024] [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] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical communication needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer (TYACs) are increasingly recognised to differ significantly from younger children and older adults. We sought to understand who is present with TYACs, TYACs' experiences of triadic communication and its impact. We generated three research questions to focus this review: (1) Who is present with TYACs in healthcare consultations/communication?, (2) What are TYACs' experiences of communication with the supporter present? and (3) What is the impact of a TYAC's supporter being present in the communication? DESIGN Systematic review with narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES The search was conducted across six databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and AMED for all publications up to December 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Included papers were empirical research published after 2005; participants had malignant disease, diagnosed aged 13-24 years (for over 50% of participants); the research addressed any area of clinical communication. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Three independent reviewers undertook full-text screening. A review-specific data extraction form was used to record participant characteristics and methods from each included paper and results relevant to the three review questions. RESULTS A total of 8480 studies were identified in the search, of which 36 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found that mothers were the most common supporter present in clinical communication encounters. TYACs' experiences of triadic communication are paradoxical in nature-the supporter can help or hinder the involvement of the young person in care-related communication. Overall, young people are not included in clinical communication and decisions at their preferred level. CONCLUSION Triadic communication in TYACs' care is common, complex and dynamic. Due to the degree of challenge and nuances raised, healthcare professionals need further training on effective triadic communication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022374528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Critoph
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- CNMAR, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Spathis
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robbie Duschinsky
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen Hatcher
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luke A M Smith
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Glackin A, Marino JL, Peate M, McNeil R, Orme LM, McCarthy MC, Sawyer SM. Experiences of Oncofertility Decision-Making and Care in a National Sample of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients and Parents. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:170-179. [PMID: 37535814 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Cancer and its treatments are known to compromise fertility in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The emotional burden of possible infertility is reduced in those who receive supportive oncofertility care. In legal minors, provision of health care must consider the legal context and desire that AYAs have for autonomous decision-making, together with their competence to make health decisions. This has important implications for how oncofertility discussions may, or may not, involve parents. The aim of this study was to explore oncofertility decision-making and care experiences in a national Australian sample of AYA cancer patients and their parents. Methods: AYAs aged 15-25 years and parents were recruited from 17 cancer care sites and CanTeen Australia as part of a national AYA cancer care study. The cross-sectional survey included open-ended questions regarding oncofertility care experiences. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes. Results: Data were available for 99 AYAs and 111 parents. Four themes were identified: emotional care needs; parent-AYA dynamics including AYA autonomy and agency; decision-making considerations including values and practicalities; and reflections on oncofertility care and follow-up. Both AYAs and parents placed importance on AYA autonomy in fertility decision-making, but many AYAs appreciated the role of parents in providing support and guidance throughout the process. Conclusion: Health care professionals are encouraged to autonomously engage AYAs around fertility decision-making, while concurrently offering opportunities that promote parental support. Better psychological support and follow-up oncofertility care are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Glackin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Marino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn McNeil
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa M Orme
- ONTrac at Peter Mac, Victorian Youth Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria C McCarthy
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan M Sawyer
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Phan J, Laurence V, Marec-Berard P, Cordero C, Riberon C, Flahault C. The Place of Sick Peers in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Advantage, Disadvantage, and What Makes Barriers to the Encounter. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:879-889. [PMID: 36999900 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0176] [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] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The appreciation of peer support can vary from one country to another due to the cultural and relational differences. This study explores what perceptions French adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in post-treatment for cancer have of the place of sick peers during their treatment and what can make barriers to meet them. Methods: A semistructured interview has been proposed 6 months after the end of cancer treatments. A thematic analysis has been conducted to highlight the major themes and subthemes identified through the participants' discourses. Results: Twelve AYAs (mean age 23 y.o., standard deviation = 2.8; min = 19; max = 26) from two French cancer centers were interviewed. Five major themes were identified, but only two were presented in this article: the place of peers and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on AYA facilities. AYA peers with cancer major theme demonstrated that meeting sick peers has benefits (e.g., identification, understanding, support, feeling of normalcy) but also has disadvantages (e.g., negative emotional influence). The benefits of peer-to-peer meetings seem to outweigh the disadvantages. Nevertheless, AYAs can face social barriers to this kind of relationship (e.g., fatigue, need to focus on oneself, confrontation to cancer and negative events, feeling of unnatural meeting). Finally, patients' encounters and the normal functioning of AYA facilities have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Even if AYA services systematically suggest a meeting with other sick peers, it is important to reiterate this proposal since the needs can evolve over time. It can also be interesting to propose places of life outside the hospital to make the encounters more comfortable and natural for AYAs. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03964116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Phan
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Laurence
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Marec-Berard
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Cordero
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Christèle Riberon
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Flahault
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Gustave Roussy Hospital, Villejuif, France
- Functional Unit of Psychology and Liaison Psychiatry and Emergency, Adult and Elderly Psychiatry Service, George Pompidou European Hospital, Paris, France
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Burgers VWG, Reuvers MJP, Taphoorn MJB, Kok M, de Langen AJ, van den Bent MJ, Frissen SAMM, Harthoorn NCGL, Dickhout A, Husson O, van der Graaf WTA. A qualitative study on the healthcare experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with an uncertain or poor cancer prognosis. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:721. [PMID: 38008874 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08149-9] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment advancements have improved life expectancy for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with an uncertain and/or poor cancer prognosis (UPCP) and change clinical practice. This improved survival requires a different approach and specific expertise to meet the needs of this group. The aim of this study is to explore the health care experiences of AYAs with a UPCP. METHODS We conducted a multicenter qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and elements of the grounded theory by Corbin and Strauss. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 46 AYAs with a UPCP. They were on average 33.4 years old (age range 23-44), and most of them were woman (63%). Additionally, five AYAs with a UPCP participated as AYA research partners in two focus groups. They were on average 31.8 years old and four of them were woman. AYAs with a UPCP reported four pillars for a satisfied healthcare experience: (1) trust, (2) tailored communication, (3) holistic empathic open attitude, and (4) care being offered (pro-)actively. They reported both optimal and suboptimal experiences about distrust based on a delay in diagnostic trajectory, lack of tailored communication and discussion of sensitive topics, preference for a holistic approach, and struggles with finding the way to get additional healthcare support. CONCLUSION For AYAs with a UPCP, it is important that both age-specific issues and issues related to the UPCP are understood and addressed; however, this seems not yet optimally implemented in clinical practice. This emphasizes the importance of providing this patient group with tailored care incorporating both aspects. Healthcare professionals need to be supported with training and tools to understand the healthcare needs of AYAs with a UPCP. AYAs can be empowered to take more control over their own healthcare needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian W G Burgers
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Milou J P Reuvers
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adrianus J de Langen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin J van den Bent
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Annemiek Dickhout
- AYA Research Partner, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Internal Medicine, Division Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- GROW-School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Hughes L, Fern LA, Whelan JS, Taylor RM, Study Group B. Young people's opinions of cancer care in England: the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069910. [PMID: 37730384 PMCID: PMC10514633 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069910] [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] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The BRIGHTLIGHT cohort study was the national evaluation of cancer services for teenager and young adults (TYA). This was analysis of free-text survey data to better understand their experiences of cancer care. DESIGN Cohort study SETTING: National Health Service hospitals delivering cancer care in England PARTICIPANTS: 830 young people newly diagnosed with cancer. INTERVENTIONS Exposure to specialist care in the first 6 months after diagnosis defined as care in a TYA Principal Treatment Centre (PTC). This was categorised as follows: all care in a TYA-PTC (ALL-TYA-PTC), no care in a TYA-PTC (NO-TYA-PTC) so care delivered in a children/adult unit only and some care in a TYA-PTC with additional care in a children's/adult unit (SOME-TYA-PTC). PRIMARY OUTCOME Data were collected through the BRIGHTLIGHT survey included free-text questions which asked patients 'what was the best aspects of their experiences of care' and 'what aspects could be improved'. These comments were analysed using content analysis. Themes were compared between categories of care, then ranked in order of frequency, ranging from the most endorsed to the least. RESULTS Overall, young people were most positive about their healthcare team, while the area highlighted for improvement was diagnostic experience. Differences between the three groups suggested those who had some or all treatment in a TYA-PTC valued the place of care. Regardless of where TYA were treated their healthcare teams were favourably viewed. Age appropriate place of care was highlighted to be of value for those in PTCs. CONCLUSIONS These data show the value young people placed on the care they received in TYA specific wards. Young people who accessed some or all of their care in a TYA-PTC highly endorsed their place of care as one of the best elements of their care, and it is further emphasised by those who had shared care who experienced difficulty with lack of age-appropriate care when treated outside the TYA-PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Hughes
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brightlight Study Group
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
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9
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Singh K, Rollins S, Ireson J. Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Best Practice Nursing Guidelines. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 89:247-253. [PMID: 37040714 DOI: 10.1159/000530570] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical outcomes in gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) are generally excellent, but GTD is a rare and complex condition that requires specialist information and support to offer a gold standard of care. Across Europe, specialist nurses and/or midwives are increasingly common in the GTD multidisciplinary team to work alongside medical professionals in a holistic model of care; however, the role is sometimes non-existent or can vary significantly between GTD centres. OBJECTIVES The aim of the European Organisation for Treatment of Trophoblastic Diseases' (EOTTD) is to harmonise best practice in Europe. To provide a basis for the European standardisation of best practice nursing care in GTD, a group of European GTD nurses/midwives composed guidelines for minimal requirements and optimal nursing care of GTD patients. METHODS Members of the EOTTD member countries with nursing representation attended multiple workshops, both virtual and in person, and guidelines were created by consensus and evidence where available. OUTCOME 16 nurses and 1 midwife from 4 countries (England, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands) contributed. The group created flow diagrams for treatment and screening patients, showing minimum and best practice nursing care for patients with GTD. CONCLUSION Despite the many different models of care and resources available to GTD services, this consensus working group has provided a set of guidelines to drive forward a patient focused holistic model of care for GTD patients. This is an original paper, whereby no such guidelines in GTD nursing have been developed before. The implementation of guidelines will encourage other health care professionals to improve the provision of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam Singh
- Sheffield Trophoblastic Disease Centre, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah Rollins
- Sheffield Trophoblastic Disease Centre, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jane Ireson
- Sheffield Trophoblastic Disease Centre, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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Wood GE, Chamberlain F, Tran B, Conduit C, Liow E, Nicol DL, Shamash J, Alifrangis C, Rajan P. Treatment de-escalation for stage II seminoma. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00727-0. [PMID: 36882564 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group good-risk metastatic seminoma has cure rates of >95%. Within this risk group, patients with stage II disease exhibit the best oncological outcomes with the standard-of-care treatment strategies of radiotherapy or combination chemotherapy. However, these treatments can be associated with substantial early and late toxic effects. Therapy de-escalation aims to reduce treatment morbidity whilst preserving oncological outcomes. The evidence supporting such approaches is largely from non-randomized institutional data, and therefore this strategy is not recognized as standard of care. Current de-escalation approaches for stage II seminoma include single-agent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery based on early data from clinical studies. Increased recognition of emerging data on treatment modification to reduce morbidity whilst maintaining cure rates and consideration of therapy de-escalation could improve patient survivorship outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E Wood
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ben Tran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Division of Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ciara Conduit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Division of Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Liow
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David L Nicol
- Department of Urology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Shamash
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Constantine Alifrangis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Prabhakar Rajan
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. .,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Urology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK. .,Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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11
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von Werthern M, Grigorakis G, Sweet R, Soon K. The Continuity of Cancer: Children and Adolescent's Experiences of Ending Cancer Treatment - A Systematic Review. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2006-2018. [PMID: 36190313 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221128860] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As the research and treatment of childhood cancer steadily progresses, so has the interest in children's needs, not only throughout such treatment but also following completion. Whilst there is increased literature focussing on the long-term psychosocial impact of treatment completion, little is currently known about how children and young people (CYP) experience the more immediate end of their cancer treatment. The current review seeks to examine CYP's experiences of the end of their cancer treatment. Sixteen studies were retrieved using a systematic search strategy across five databases, all of which used qualitative methodology. Thematic synthesis was chosen to analyse the data. Four overarching themes were generated, which encompassed 'the continuity of cancer', 'ambivalence of needs', 'making sense of the cancer experience' and 'sense of self following the ending'. The end of treatment is a time of complexity for CYP, yet it is currently largely overlooked. In order to scaffold these endings for CYP, increased emphasis and thought needs to be placed on the end of treatment and the support that is provided within it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristina Soon
- 4919University College London, London, UK
- 4956Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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12
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Bradford NK, McDonald FEJ, Bibby H, Kok C, Patterson P. Psychological, functional and social outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors over time: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1448-1458. [PMID: 35734846 PMCID: PMC9544373 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective Most adolescents and young adults (AYA) can expect to survive a cancer diagnosis and treatment, but all will be left with the potential of long‐term negative effects that can impact their ability to reach their full potential in life. Understanding aspects of psychological, functional, and social health and well‐being outcomes, is pivotal for optimising long‐term well‐being. Methods We completed a systematic review of longitudinal studies reporting outcomes after anti‐cancer treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults diagnosed between the age of 12–29 years according to established systematic review processes. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42020203116). Results Thirteen reports from 10 studies met eligibility criteria representing 17,645 individuals (50.3% female, mean age at diagnosis 22 years, and 26 years at last, follow up). Eleven reports were from eight quantitative studies that relied on self‐report surveys and two were qualitative studies. Psychological outcomes were reported to improve over time, as were functional health outcomes, although reported health behaviours were inconsistent between studies. Neurocognitive deficits were reported to affect the ability to return to work and impacts on fertility and sexuality were sustained over time. Conclusions While some outcomes for AYA are reported to improve over time, particularly for physical functioning, and anxiety and depression, the long‐term impact of cancer on many important domains remains largely unknown. Specifically, the evidence to understand what changes occur over time, and when, remains underdeveloped. Adolescents and young adults have a long time to live as survivors of cancer, and the negative effects of disease and treatment can compromise long‐term well‐being Longitudinal research is important for understanding changes in outcomes over time While a wide range of outcomes have been studied, the evidence to understand what changes occur and when remains underdeveloped
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre at Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona E J McDonald
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Bibby
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cindy Kok
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pandora Patterson
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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McInally W, Campbell K. Healthcare Professional and Service User Perspectives on Formal Educational Programmes for Children and Young People with Cancer in the UK. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:608-614. [PMID: 33033951 PMCID: PMC9205799 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Caring for children and young people with cancer requires specific knowledge, skills and experience to deliver the complex care regimes both within the hospital or community environment. This study explored the educational gaps in caring for children and young people with cancer. To address this, a mixed methodology approach was adopted in two phases. Phase one was a questionnaire circulated to healthcare professional members (n = 850) of the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Managed Service Network, Scotland. Response rate (n = 121) (14%) was achieved. In phase two of the study, a focus groups (n = 4) was conducted with young people in Scotland through the Managed Service Network. This was to gain a critical understanding from service user perspective and what they deemed as important to their overall care delivery. Phase one: healthcare professional results reported that 76% (n = 93) were aware of education; 69% (n = 84) found that knowledge supported practice development, but only 45% (n = 55) finding current education provision useful. The top education topics identified to be lacking in educational availability were communication, psychological support, dealing with young people, supportive care, diagnosis and treatment and challenges to learning. Several participants 64% (n = 78) suggested that funding and time was a barrier, and that there was a lack of provision. Phase two: Findings from the focus group (n = 4) thematic analysis identified five key themes. Service users expected professionals to be knowledgeable and trained, but when talking about experiencing care, gave insights into the gaps in their care. Findings suggest that formal cancer education is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy McInally
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, The Open University, 10 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7QJ Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Karen Campbell
- Macmillan Cancer Support, Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG Scotland
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14
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Bradford N, Cashion C, Holland L, Henney R, Walker R. Coping with cancer: A qualitative study of adolescent and young adult perspectives. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:974-981. [PMID: 34334263 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer can have long-term biopsychological impacts for young people that persist for years. To promote adjustment, it is essential to understand how young people cope, yet this is relatively understudied. METHODS This study explored the coping strategies using semi-structured interviews with 16 young people with cancer aged 15-24 years. Eligible participants were diagnosed within the previous 24 months and recruited through Australian Youth Cancer Services. Transcribed interviews were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Coping strategies included: seeking support; controlling the focus; avoiding negatives and staying positive; meaning making and; changes with time. During treatment, seeking support, focussing on the present, distraction and avoidance were commonly applied. Following treatment, planning for the future, avoidance of re-traumatising situations and meaning making were used. CONCLUSION Findings support the concept of coping as a dynamic process where different strategies are used depending on the stressor, available resources and previous experiences. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Comprehensive, developmentally appropriate psychosocial assessments, open communication, education and information provision, as well as appropriate referral for support are essential, particularly for young cancer survivors identified at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Bradford
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Nursing, Brisbane, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre at Centre for Children's Health Research, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | - Lucy Holland
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Nursing, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rosyln Henney
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rick Walker
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Psychosocial Needs and Preferences for Care among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients (Ages 15–39): A Qualitative Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030710. [PMID: 35158975 PMCID: PMC8833451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are a unique population: they are a diverse group between the ages of 15–39 years with distinct needs and experience numerous developmental milestones during this age range. Notably, AYAs have faced worse outcomes in cancer care, both with shorter survival and worse quality of life compared to children and older adults. Understanding AYAs’ psychosocial, communication and informational needs is crucial to addressing this disparity and improving cancer care delivery. By hearing directly from AYAs, we are able to capture nuances of their experiences and provide clinical recommendations to healthcare providers involved in the care of AYAs with cancer. This study specifically interviewed AYAs with cancer to understand their perspectives, identify needs and to develop recommendations for cancer care delivery and accommodations across the cancer experience. Abstract Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) require a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care due to their complex biopsychosocial situations and varied developmental maturity. Currently, age and diagnosis determine referral to pediatric or adult oncology, with differing treatment paradigms and service utilization patterns, contributing to suboptimal improvements in outcomes. Understanding the unique perspectives of AYAs is essential to designing patient-centered AYA services. Thus, we conducted six focus groups with AYAs (n = 25) treated by medical or pediatric oncologists to evaluate: (1) the unique experiences of cancer care as an AYA; (2) AYA-specific information needs and communication preferences; and (3) recommendations for service provision, delivery and accommodations for AYAs. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis and identified six major themes to inform clinically-actionable recommendations and the development of a patient-reported outcome measure: (1) AYAs experience social isolation and loss of independence; (2) AYAs have an uncertain sense of the future and need conversations around survivorship and long-term and late effects; (3) AYAs desire greater control over discussions with their care team; (4) AYAs need additional navigational and social/caregiver supports; (5) AYAs prefer an inclusive AYA space in the hospital; and (6) LGBTQ+ patients experience distinct concerns as AYA cancer patients. These will form the basis for specific and tailored clinical recommendations to improve AYA cancer care delivery.
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16
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The Pediatric Cancer Survivors' User Experiences With Digital Health Interventions: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Data. Cancer Nurs 2021; 45:E68-E82. [PMID: 34870939 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that digital health interventions are feasible and acceptable in pediatric cancer survivors. Efforts to synthesize user experiences, however, are limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative evidence on the user experiences of pediatric cancer survivors participating in digital health interventions. METHODS We searched 4 databases to identify studies with qualitative data of the digital health intervention user experiences from childhood, adolescent, and young adult pediatric cancer survivors, published from the databases' inception to January 31, 2020. Studies that met inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed for quality. The extracted data were analyzed by thematic synthesis. RESULTS Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Two analytic themes emerged, each with 3 descriptive themes: (1) the favorable experience of using digital health interventions, including "knowing about oneself and one's cancer," "connecting with others in a trustworthy and safe way," and "getting empowered and rewarded"; and (2) the challenges of using digital health interventions, including "challenges from the content of the program," "technology challenges," and "user challenges." CONCLUSIONS This systematic review supports the value of digital health interventions as an acceptable and convenient approach for delivering care to pediatric cancer survivors. It is essential to understand the users' positive experiences and challenges to customize interventions and achieve positive health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurses can contribute to the development and implementation of digital health interventions for pediatric cancer survivors through advocacy, navigation, feedback, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We recommended system-level support in modifying and developing relevant workflows or practice guidelines for implementation.
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17
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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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18
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Nicklin E, Velikova G, Glaser A, Kwok-Williams M, Debono M, Sarwar N, Boele F. Long-term unmet supportive care needs of teenage and young adult (TYA) childhood brain tumour survivors and their caregivers: a cross-sectional survey. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:1981-1992. [PMID: 34636944 PMCID: PMC8795012 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The supportive care needs of long-term childhood brain tumour survivors, now teenagers and young adults (TYAs), and their caregivers are largely unknown. We aimed to describe their supportive care needs and explore associations between needs and quality of life (QoL). Methods Participants were recruited from long-term follow-up clinics (in three NHS Trusts in England) and online. Participants included childhood brain tumour survivors, ≥ 5 years from diagnosis, currently aged 13–30, and their primary caregivers. Survivors completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) Short Form and caregivers the SCNS-Partners & Caregivers, alongside validated QoL questionnaires (Peds-FACT-Br and CQOLC). Results In total, 112 individuals (69 survivors/43 caregivers) participated. Survivors reported on average 9.4 (± 8.5) unmet needs. Needs were greatest in the psychological domain, with anxiety (60.3%), uncertainty about the future (50.7%) and feeling down and depressed (48.5%) most commonly reported. Caregivers reported on average 12.4 (± 12.3) unmet needs. Again, the greatest number of unmet needs was observed in the psychological domain. Many caregivers also reported information needs around financial support/government benefits (42.9%) and possible survivor fertility problems (42.9%). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that female survivors, unemployed survivors, survivors further away from diagnosis and single caregivers were more likely to report unmet needs. More unmet needs were significantly associated with poorer QoL in survivors and caregivers. Conclusion This research provides leads to improving supportive care and long-term follow-up services. Psychological support represents the biggest gap in care. Understanding unmet needs and recognising what services are required are critical to improving quality of long-term survival. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06618-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nicklin
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. .,Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Group, St James's Institute of Oncology, Level 6, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
| | - Galina Velikova
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Group, St James's Institute of Oncology, Level 6, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.,Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Adam Glaser
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Miguel Debono
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Florien Boele
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Group, St James's Institute of Oncology, Level 6, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.,University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
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19
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Beyond Resilience: A Concept Analysis of Human Flourishing in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2021; 43:172-189. [PMID: 31922987 DOI: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the concept of human flourishing in the context of adolescents and young adults with cancer, using Rodgers' Evolutionary Concept Analysis method. We describe flourishing in adolescents and young adults with cancer experience as a continuous and dynamic process of growth and maturity among intrapersonal, interpersonal, and person-environmental dimensions. Flourishing adolescents and young adults with cancer achieve internal integration, evoke positive changes in their environments, and ultimately create a harmonious and balanced existence with the outside world. Human flourishing can be a new health care goal that nurses can apply to this population.
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20
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Exploring Young People's Experience of Ending Active Cancer Treatment: When the "Little Cancer Treatment Bubble" Pops. Cancer Nurs 2021; 44:288-294. [PMID: 32195707 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The end of active cancer treatment is described as a stressful period for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). However, research evidence describing the experience of AYAs as they transition from active treatment into follow-up care is scarce. OBJECTIVE We aimed to understand AYAs' experiences within the first 12 months of ending active treatment. METHODS Data were collected using semistructured interviews, which were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis of transcripts was used to identify key themes/subthemes. RESULTS Eleven AYAs (8 female participants), diagnosed with cancer aged 17 to 25 years and 19 to 26 years at point of interview, participated. At time of interview, 7 were within 6 months of treatment completion, and in 4 participants, treatment ended 6 to 12 months prior. Three main themes were identified: (1) challenges of social reintegration and self-identity, (2) expectations versus the lived experience of ending treatment, and (3) sudden loss of the safe "bubble" of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents and young adults were underprepared for and challenged by the unexpected emotional and physical consequences of ending active cancer treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Young people require information and support to prepare for ending active treatment and reintegration to everyday life. Preparation for the short- and long-term physical, social, and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis even when treatment ends will assist young people in managing this transition. Further research is required to develop and test interventions to provide timely, structured, and equitable information and support at the end of treatment to better prepare AYAs for the challenges they may face as treatment ends.
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21
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Gibson F, Fern LA, Phillips B, Gravestock H, Malik S, Callaghan A, Dyker K, Groszmann M, Hamrang L, Hough R, McGeachy D, Morgan S, Smith S, Upadhyaya S, Veitch H, Williamson M, Whelan J, Aldiss S. Reporting the whole story: Analysis of the 'out-of-scope' questions from the James Lind Alliance Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership Survey. Health Expect 2021; 24:1593-1606. [PMID: 34247435 PMCID: PMC8483195 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We conducted a UK‐wide survey to identify the top 10 research questions for young people's cancer. We conducted secondary analysis of questions submitted, which were ‘out‐of‐scope’ of the original survey aim. We sought to disseminate these questions, to inform practice, policy and the development of potential interventions to support young people with cancer. Design James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. Participants Young people aged 13‐24 with a current/previous cancer diagnosis, their families/friends/partners and professionals who work with this population. Methods Eight hundred and fifty‐five potential research questions were submitted, and 326 were classified as ‘out‐of‐scope’. These questions, along with 49 ‘free‐text’ comments, were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The 375 out‐of‐scope questions and comments were submitted by: 68 young people, 81 family members/partners/friends and 42 professionals. Ten overarching themes were identified: diagnostic experience; communication; coordination of care; information needs and lack of information; service provision; long‐term effects and aftercare support; family support; financial impact; end‐of life care; and research methods and current research. Conclusions The need to tailor services, information and communication is a striking thread evidenced across the ‘out‐of‐scope’ questions. Gaps in information highlight implications for practice in revisiting information needs throughout the cancer trajectory. We must advocate for specialist care for young people and promote the research priorities and these findings to funding bodies, charities, young people and health and social care policymakers, in order to generate an evidence base to inform effective interventions across the cancer trajectory and improve outcomes. Patient/public contributions Patients and carers were equal stakeholders throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Gibson
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bob Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK.,Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Helen Gravestock
- Policy, Influencing and Voice, Young Lives vs Cancer, London, UK
| | - Sonia Malik
- Policy and Influencing, Young Lives vs Cancer, London, UK
| | - Amy Callaghan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Dyker
- Clinical Oncology Department, Clinical Oncology Department, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Mike Groszmann
- Psychological Medicine Department, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Leila Hamrang
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachael Hough
- Department of Adolescent Haematology, Children and Young People's Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Demi McGeachy
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, Ward L33, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Sheela Upadhyaya
- Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, The James Lind Alliance, National Institute for Health Research Evaluation, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Max Williamson
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership steering group, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Whelan
- Division of Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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22
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Blom JMC, Colliva C, Benatti C, Tascedda F, Pani L. Digital Phenotyping and Dynamic Monitoring of Adolescents Treated for Cancer to Guide Intervention: Embracing a New Era. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673581. [PMID: 34262863 PMCID: PMC8273734 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M. C. Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Distretto di Carpi, Carpi, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- VeraSci., Durham, NC, United States
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23
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Olesen AMR, Missel M, Boisen KA. The Needs and Care Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Cancer in Adult Surgery Clinics: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:48-55. [PMID: 33844956 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer hospitalized in adult surgery clinics are an overlooked group of patients. They are a minority hospitalized among elderly surgical patients, and the surroundings and care are designed with older patients in mind. A growing body of research focuses on AYAs' experiences of cancer care. However, studies exploring care experiences in terms of in-patient surgery treatment are still needed. Hence, the purpose of the study was to explore the needs and care experiences of AYAs, 15-29 years of age, treated for cancer in adult surgery clinics. Methods: This qualitative study was based on semistructured interviews with 15 AYAs with cancer from seven surgery clinics at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. Data were analyzed and interpreted using inductive content analysis. The Danish Data Protection Agency approved the study (project no.: 05617). Results: Three themes were identified: (1) being the black sheep - experiences of being young in an adult environment, (2) the significant nurse - experiences of the essential relationship between AYAs and the nurses, and (3) the wounded body - experiences of how the physically changed body affects the mind. Conclusions: Our findings showed that the psychosocial needs of AYAs with cancer hospitalized in adult surgery clinics were not being adequately met. Initiatives are needed to improve the psychological and social well-being of this vulnerable patient group, while hospitalized for treatment in surgery clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Roholm Olesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Missel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten A Boisen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center of Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Fern LA, Taylor RM, Barber J, Alvarez-Galvez J, Feltbower R, Lea S, Martins A, Morris S, Hooker L, Gibson F, Raine R, Stark DP, Whelan J. Processes of care and survival associated with treatment in specialist teenage and young adult cancer centres: results from the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044854. [PMID: 33827838 PMCID: PMC8031022 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Survival gains in teenagers and young adults (TYA) are reported to be lower than children and adults for some cancers. Place of care is implicated, influencing access to specialist TYA professionals and research.Consequently, age-appropriate specialist cancer care is advocated for TYA although systematic investigation of associated outcomes is lacking. In England, age-appropriate care is delivered through 13 Principal Treatment Centres (TYA-PTC). BRIGHTLIGHT is the national evaluation of TYA cancer services to examine outcomes associated with differing places and levels of care. We aimed to examine the association between exposure to TYA-PTC care, survival and documentation of clinical processes of care. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING 109 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals across England. PARTICIPANTS 1114 TYA, aged 13-24, newly diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2014. INTERVENTION Participants were assigned a TYA-PTC category dependent on the proportion of care delivered in a TYA-PTC in the first year after diagnosis: all care in a TYA-PTC (ALL-TYA-PTC, n=270), no care in a TYA-PTC (NO-TYA-PTC, n=359), and some care in a TYA-PTC with additional care in a children's/adult unit (SOME-TYA-PTC, n=419). PRIMARY OUTCOME Data were collected on documented processes indicative of age-appropriate care using clinical report forms, and survival through linkage to NHS databases. RESULTS TYA receiving NO-TYA-PTC care were less likely to have documentation of molecular diagnosis, be reviewed by a children's or TYA multidisciplinary team, be assessed by supportive care services or have a fertility discussion. There was no significant difference in survival according to category of care. There was weak evidence that the association between care category and survival differed by age (p=0.08) with higher HRs for those over 19 receiving ALL or SOME-TYA-PTC compared with NO-TYA-PTC. CONCLUSION TYA-PTC care was associated with better documentation of clinical processes associated with age-appropriate care but not improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna A Fern
- Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and AHP Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - Sarah Lea
- Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- Cancer Clinical Trials, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephen Morris
- Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise Hooker
- Wessex Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Raine
- Institute of Epidemiology & Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dan P Stark
- Leeds Insitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy Whelan
- Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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25
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Morino T, Shinohara Y, Niu Q, Shimoura K, Tabata A, Hanai A, Ogawa M, Kato T, Tanimukai H, Tsuboyama T, Matsuoka M, Adachi S, Aoyama T. Perception Gap in Health-Related Quality of Life Between Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer and Their Family. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 10:735-739. [PMID: 33691481 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Young adult survivors of childhood cancer may have a perception gap with their families. Patients aged 18-39 years after treatment of cancer and their families (28 pairs) completed a survey that contained questions on health-related quality of life using the 36-item short form survey. There was a significant difference in the role-social component score (mean difference -2.23; p = 0.04) with family reporting higher scores than patients. Families may overestimate the social function of cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of the long-term follow-up by taking into account the risk of a gap (IRB approval No.: R2257-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tappei Morino
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Shinohara
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Qian Niu
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanako Shimoura
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ami Tabata
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akiko Hanai
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kato
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Tanimukai
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadao Tsuboyama
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,School of Health Sciences, Bukkyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mari Matsuoka
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Soichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoki Aoyama
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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26
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David CL, Lowrey L. A qualitative investigation assessing whether implementing a Teenage Young Adult information evening, within a radiotherapy department, would improve the information support and treatment pathway for 18-24-year-old cancer patients. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 27:847-853. [PMID: 33589304 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.01.005] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study evaluated the current information services provided to 10 Teenage Young Adult (TYA) oncology patients within a single radiotherapy department through retrospective patient views. Additionally, the participants provided valuable perspectives on the aptness and merit of implementing a dedicated information evening within the radiotherapy department. METHODS Focus group sessions and open-ended questionnaires were used as the primary data collection tools for this study, producing rich and informative data. The transcriptions from the focus groups, along with the questionnaire responses were then analysed using coding techniques, resulting in 6 distinct themes. RESULTS The participants felt they received adequate information about their radiotherapy treatment and its side effects. However, participants did report some gaps within the service provision that need to be addressed to improve treatment pathways in future. Furthermore, the information was always supplied in paper format which was often undesirable to the cohort with a more interactive format preferred. The participants disclosed very strong feelings of being different to "usual cancer patients" and displayed a desire for more opportunities to meet other TYA patients to be provided within their pathway. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of a dedicated TYA open evening would improve the information support and treatment pathway for 18-24-year-old cancer patients. The evening could offer a wanted opportunity where TYA patients could meet each other and additionally, treatment information and age appropriate support information could be provided in a different and more suitable format than current paper-based literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L David
- Radiotherapy Department, Basement P-2, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK.
| | - L Lowrey
- Kingston and St George's Joint Faculty, Health, Social Care and Education, Bay 18/desk 21 6th, Floor Hunter Wing, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
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27
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The effect of digital health technologies on managing symptoms across pediatric cancer continuum: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Sci 2021; 8:22-29. [PMID: 33575441 PMCID: PMC7859551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pediatric cancer patients endure multiple symptoms during treatment and also in survivorship. Digital health technologies provide an innovative way to support their symptom management. This review aimed to examine the effect of digital health technologies on managing symptoms among across pediatric cancer continuum. Methods A systematic literature search of six English and three Chinese electronic databases was combined with hand searching, to identify eligible research studies from database establishment to November 30, 2019. Two reviewers carried out data selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal independently. A narrative approach was taken to summarize data. Results Four randomized control trials, two quasi-experiments, and five one group pre-posttest designed studies, were included in the review with a total of 425 participants. The methodological quality of the studies was generally fair. Seven symptoms (anxiety, depression, pain, anger, fatigue, fear, distress) and seven digital health technologies (visual reality, website, humanoid robot, app, wearable devices, short messages and videoconference) were reported in the included studies. Conclusions Current evidence supports the effect of digital health technologies is generally mixed and inconclusive. There is a trend of positive effects found in the interventions that feature digital health technologies' interactive function. This review highlights the need for further investigation with rigorous research designs and the consideration of influencing factors from the symptoms, participants, and context levels to inform a better digital health implementation.
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28
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Davies JP, McGill BC, Sansom-Daly UM, Wakefield CE, Kelly DM. "This Is the First Time I've Talked About This": Considerations When Conducting Qualitative Research Interviews with Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 10:540-548. [PMID: 33393866 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Qualitative research is a useful and important way to describe and analyze the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. However, undertaking qualitative research with AYAs living with, or beyond, a cancer diagnosis requires careful planning and a well-informed approach for participants with a high level of vulnerability and who are at a crucial stage developmentally. This article reflects on the challenges of including AYAs with cancer between the ages of 16 and 25 years in qualitative research. By drawing on each author's own experiences of engaging in qualitative research interviews with AYAs with cancer, the article provides suggestions regarding how best to manage challenges and yield valuable data describing their experiences. Insights that are shared between qualitative researchers in this field may assist in preparing for the challenges posed by conducting qualitative research with this group and may help researchers to manage this activity successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane P Davies
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Brittany C McGill
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Daniel M Kelly
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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29
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Taylor RM, Fern LA, Barber J, Alvarez-Galvez J, Feltbower R, Lea S, Martins A, Morris S, Hooker L, Gibson F, Raine R, Stark DP, Whelan J. Longitudinal cohort study of the impact of specialist cancer services for teenagers and young adults on quality of life: outcomes from the BRIGHTLIGHT study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038471. [PMID: 33243793 PMCID: PMC7692812 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In England, healthcare policy advocates specialised age-appropriate services for teenagers and young adults (TYA), those aged 13 to 24 years at diagnosis. Specialist Principal Treatment Centres (PTC) provide enhanced TYA age-specific care, although many still receive care in adult or children's cancer services. We present the first prospective structured analysis of quality of life (QOL) associated with the amount of care received in a TYA-PTC DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING Hospitals delivering inpatient cancer care in England. PARTICIPANTS 1114 young people aged 13 to 24 years newly diagnosed with cancer. INTERVENTION Exposure to the TYA-PTC defined as patients receiving NO-TYA-PTC care with those receiving ALL-TYA-PTC and SOME-TYA-PTC care. PRIMARY OUTCOME Quality of life measured at five time points: 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months after diagnosis. RESULTS Group mean total QOL improved over time for all patients, but for those receiving NO-TYA-PTC was an average of 5.63 points higher (95% CI 2.77 to 8.49) than in young people receiving SOME-TYA-PTC care, and 4·17 points higher (95% CI 1.07 to 7.28) compared with ALL-TYA-PTC care. Differences were greatest 6 months after diagnosis, reduced over time and did not meet the 8-point level that is proposed to be clinically significant. Young people receiving NO-TYA-PTC care were more likely to have been offered a choice of place of care, be older, from more deprived areas, in work and have less severe disease. However, analyses adjusting for confounding factors did not explain the differences between TYA groups. CONCLUSIONS Receipt of some or all care in a TYA-PTC was associated with lower QOL shortly after cancer diagnosis. The NO-TYA-PTC group had higher QOL 3 years after diagnosis, however those receiving all or some care in a TYA-PTC experienced more rapid QOL improvements. Receipt of some care in a TYA-PTC requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and AHP Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College, London, UK
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - 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
| | - Stephen Morris
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise Hooker
- Wessex Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, 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 (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Raine
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dan P Stark
- Leeds Insitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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30
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Friendship in Adolescents and Young Adults With Experience of Cancer: A Dimensional Analysis. Cancer Nurs 2020; 43:E61-E70. [PMID: 30601266 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friendship is a complex social phenomenon important to human development, emotional health, and socialization. While making and maintaining peer friends are an emphasized task of adolescent and young adult development, the multidimensional experience of friendship is incompletely defined, particularly in the context of adolescents and young adults with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of friendship more deeply and completely by breaking down and then rebuilding meaning in this phenomenon. METHODS The author searched 8 databases for relevant literature and conducted a dimensional analysis of the textual data from articles found in database searches and theoretical sampling. Dimensional analysis was an inductive process of determining all the components and attributes of the friendship concept. The author broke down and built up the meaningful units of friendship until a story of friendship in adolescents and young adults with experience of cancer emerged. RESULTS Data from 80 empirical and theoretical articles published from 2013 to 2018 formed the literature base for this dimensional analysis. CONCLUSIONS An explanatory matrix built from the perspective of "Time Marking" reveals contexts, conditions, processes, and consequences that together provide an explanation of the nature of friendship in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This concept analysis, combined with the limitations of this inquiry, impels future empirical and theoretical research and implies preliminary clinical implications. In particular, the understanding of friendship as conceptually distinct from social support and the experience of friendships in narrative time suggest a need to reconceptualize supportive care services for adolescents and young adults who experience cancer.
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31
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Kosir U, Bowes L, Taylor RM, Gerrand C, Windsor R, Onasanya M, Martins A. Psychological adaptation and recovery in youth with sarcoma: a qualitative study with practical implications for clinical care and research. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038799. [PMID: 33234628 PMCID: PMC7684813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored factors that play a role in psychological adaptation and recovery of young people with sarcoma. DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING National Health Service hospitals in the UK. METHODS Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited for semistructured interviews over the telephone or face to face in order to answer questions about how cancer impacted various domains of their life. Data were analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS Thirty participants, aged 15-39 years with primary sarcoma diagnosis provided in-depth accounts of their experience. Emerging themes from the interviews were grouped into two overarching themes that relate to one's adaptation to illness: individual level and environmental level. The qualitative nature of our study sheds light on meaningful connections between various factors and their role in one's psychological adaptation to sarcoma. We devised a visual matrix to illustrate how risk and protective factors in adaptation vary between and within individuals. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that young people with sarcoma report an array of both positive and negative factors related to their illness experience. The route to recovery is a multifactorial process and a one-size-fits-all approach to psychosocial care proves inadequate. We propose that moving beyond the latent constructs of resilience and psychopathology towards a dynamic model of psychological adaptation and recovery in this population can result in optimisation of care. We offer some recommendations for professionals working with young people with sarcoma in clinic and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Kosir
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Lucy Bowes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Cancer Clinical Trials, University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and AHP Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Craig Gerrand
- Sarcoma Service, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Stanmore, UK
| | - Rachael Windsor
- Paediatric & Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maria Onasanya
- Paediatric & Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- Paediatric & Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Taylor RM, Lobel B, Thompson K, Onashile A, Croasdale M, Hall N, Gibson F, Martins A, Wright D, Morgan S, Whelan JS, Fern LA. BRIGHTLIGHT researchers as 'dramaturgs': creating There is a Light from complex research data. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2020; 6:48. [PMID: 32789023 PMCID: PMC7418195 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-020-00222-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRIGHTLIGHT is a national evaluation of cancer services for young people aged 13-24 years in England. It is a mixed methods study with six interlinked studies aiming to answer the question: do specialist cancer services for teenagers and young adults add value? http://www.brightlightstudy.com/. Young people have been integral to study development and management, working as co-researchers, consultants and collaborators throughout. We aimed to share results in a way that was meaningful to young people, the public, and multidisciplinary professionals. This paper reports the development of 'There is a Light: BRIGHTLIGHT', a theatrical interpretation of study results by young people, and offers insight into the impact on the cast, researchers and audiences. METHODS The BRIGHTLIGHT team collaborated with Contact Young Company, a youth theatre group in Manchester. Twenty members of Contact Young Company and four young people with cancer worked together over an eight-week period during which BRIGHTLIGHT results were shared along with explanations of cancer, healthcare policy and models of care in interactive workshops. Through their interpretation, the cast developed the script for the performance. The impact of the process and performance on the cast was evaluated through video diaries. The research team completed reflective diaries and audiences completed a survey. RESULTS 'There is a Light' contained five acts and lasted just over an hour. It played 11 performances in six cities in the United Kingdom, to approximately 1377 people. After nine performances, a 30-min talk-back between members of the cast, creative team, an expert healthcare professional, and the audience was conducted, which was attended by at least half the audience. Analysis of cast diaries identified six themes: initial anxieties; personal development; connections; cancer in young people; personal impact; interacting with professionals. The cast developed strong trusting relationships with the team. Professionals stated they felt part of the process rather than sitting on the periphery sharing results. Both professional and lay audiences described the performance as meaningful and understandable. Feedback was particularly positive from those who had experienced cancer themselves. CONCLUSIONS Using theatre to present research enabled BRIGHTLIGHT results to be accessible to a larger, more diverse audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brian Lobel
- Rose Bruford College, Sidcup, UK
- The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Kate Granger Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Wright
- Top Floor Palatine Treatment Centre, The Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy S. Whelan
- 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
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Holland LR, Walker R, Henney R, Cashion CE, Bradford NK. Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Barriers in Access to Psychosocial Support. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 10:46-55. [PMID: 32486879 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience cancer at a time of significant developmental transition. Both disease and treatment impact psychosocial well-being in significant, persistent ways. While the impacts are now described, and the need for psychosocial care is increasingly well recognized, to date, the barriers in access to care have not been well delineated. This is essential to understand to facilitate access to appropriate care and improve outcomes. Methods: This study explored the barriers in access to psychosocial care for young people. Semistructured, audio-recorded interviews were undertaken with 16 AYAs aged 15-25 years. Eligible participants were diagnosed within the previous 24 months and recruited through the Queensland Youth Cancer Service (QYCS). Transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Barriers in access to support were related to person-centered, service-related, and systemic factors. Barriers experienced at diagnosis and during treatment were less common compared with barriers after treatment; these were significant and largely related to a lack of holistic, multidisciplinary survivorship care. Conclusion: Barriers in access to psychosocial care are multifactorial, although most can be addressed through health-service responses. Ensuring standardized referral and repeated introduction of psychosocial care for young people is imperative, regardless of location of treatment. Flexible services are especially important for patients treated across different facilities. The development of comprehensive post-treatment survivorship models of care is also essential. Continued evaluation of the experience of young people and the barriers they face is also crucial to ensure responsive service development and promote optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R Holland
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Social Work, Welfare and Indigenous Liaison, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Rick Walker
- Queensland Youth Cancer Service, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Oncology Services Group, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Roslyn Henney
- Queensland Youth Cancer Service, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christine E Cashion
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie K Bradford
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Healthcare Transformation and School of Nursing at Centre for Children's Health Research, Brisbane, Australia
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Lin B, Gutman T, Hanson CS, Ju A, Manera K, Butow P, Cohn RJ, Dalla‐Pozza L, Greenzang KA, Mack J, Wakefield CE, Craig JC, Tong A. Communication during childhood cancer: Systematic review of patient perspectives. Cancer 2019; 126:701-716. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beryl Lin
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Talia Gutman
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Camilla S. Hanson
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Angela Ju
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Karine Manera
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Psycho‐oncology Co‐operative Research Group School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard J. Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Luciano Dalla‐Pozza
- Cancer Centre for Children The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Katie A. Greenzang
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Mack
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Jonathan C. Craig
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Allison Tong
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
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Pugh G, Petrella A, Fisher A, Reynolds J, Epstone S. Trekstock Meet & Move: The Impact of One-Day Health and Well-Being Events for Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 9:278-285. [PMID: 31794290 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a series of one-day events delivered by Trekstock, a charity supporting young adults with cancer in the United Kingdom. Methods: Data on physical activity, mood, perceived support, self-efficacy, and confidence to be active were collected at three time points: before, after, and 2 weeks following the Meet & Move events. Results: Ninety-seven young adults with cancer (mean age: 29 years, 35% still receiving active treatment) attended a Trekstock Meet & Move event and participated within the evaluation. Baseline data demonstrated that before attending a Meet & Move event, 27% (n = 23) of young adults reported feeling their cancer excluded them from engaging in exercise, 44% (n = 37) reported concern that exercise will cause pain or injury, and only 38% (n = 32) knew what exercise they could do. Data collected post-event and at follow-up indicated that Meet & Move had a positive impact upon attendees' self-efficacy and confidence to be active with more than half reporting they felt inspired after attending. There was also a significant reduction in reported worry that exercise may cause pain or injury and reported perception of feeling left out of exercise because of cancer (p < 0.05). Following engagement in the Meet & Move events, 45% of attendees had either signed up for an additional Trekstock physical activity program or initiated engagement in a new type of physical activity on their own. Conclusion: Trekstock Meet & Move events inspire and motivate young adults with cancer in their 20s and 30s to be active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Pugh
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anika Petrella
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abigail Fisher
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lea S, Martins A, Morgan S, Cargill J, Taylor RM, Fern LA. Health care professional perceptions of online information and support for young people with cancer in the United Kingdom. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2019; 10:103-116. [PMID: 31695545 PMCID: PMC6718256 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s211142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The internet is integral to young people, providing round-the-clock access to information and support. Young people with cancer report searching for online information and support. What they search for and why varies across their timeline and is mainly driven by negative emotion. We sought to understand how health care professionals (HCPs) perceived online information and support for young people with cancer. Population and methods Semi-structured interviews with eight HCPs across the UK informed the development of a survey, completed by 38 HCPs. Framework analysis was used to identify key themes and the survey was analyzed descriptively. Results Seven themes emerged as integral to HCP’s perceptions of online information and support, these included: views about young people’s use of online resources; how needs change along the cancer timeline; different platforms where HCPs refer young people to online; whether young people’s online needs are currently met; recognition of the emotional relationship between young people and the internet; barriers and concerns when referring young people to online resources; and strategies used in practice. Conclusion Professionals play an important role in signposting young people to online resources, where they are confident about the accuracy and delivery of information. The biggest perceived barrier to facilitating online access was the cost to the NHS, and most concerning factor for HCPs was keeping young people safe online. There is a need to develop online resources specific for young people on psychosocial topics beyond treatment to support young people and HCPs through this period.
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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
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage Cancer Trust Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Jamie Cargill
- TYA Cancer Service South West, Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- 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
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37
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Drew D, Kable A, van der Riet P. The adolescent’s experience of cancer: An integrative literature review. Collegian 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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McCann L, McMillan KA, Pugh G. Digital Interventions to Support Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Systematic Review. JMIR Cancer 2019; 5:e12071. [PMID: 31368438 PMCID: PMC6693302 DOI: 10.2196/12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The last decade has seen an increase in the number of digital health interventions designed to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Objective The objective of this review was to identify, characterize, and fully assess the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of existing digital health interventions developed specifically for AYAs, aged between 13 and 39 years, living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. Methods Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify digital health interventions designed specifically for AYA living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. Data on the characteristics and outcomes of each intervention were synthesized. Results A total of 4731 intervention studies were identified through the searches; 38 interventions (43 research papers) met the inclusion criteria. Most (20/38, 53%) were website-based interventions. Most studies focused on symptom management and medication adherence (15, 39%), behavior change (15, 39%), self-care (8, 21%), and emotional health (7, 18%). Most digital health interventions included multiple automated and communicative functions such as enriched information environments, automated follow-up messages, and access to peer support. Where reported (20, 53% of studies), AYAs’ subjective experience of using the digital platform was typically positive. The overall quality of the studies was found to be good (mean Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields scores >68%). Some studies reported feasibility outcomes (uptake, acceptability, and attrition) but were not sufficiently powered to comment on intervention effects. Conclusions Numerous digital interventions have been developed and designed to support young people living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. However, many of these interventions have yet to be deployed, implemented, and evaluated at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa McCann
- Digital Health and Wellness Group, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Anne McMillan
- Digital Health and Wellness Group, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Pugh
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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39
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Sender A, Friedrich M, Leuteritz K, Nowe E, Stöbel-Richter Y, Mehnert A, Geue K. Unmet supportive care needs in young adult cancer patients: associations and changes over time. Results from the AYA-Leipzig study. J Cancer Surviv 2019; 13:611-619. [PMID: 31273638 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coping with cancer at a young adult age (AYA) is a challenge for many patients and raises support needs. We aim to examine unmet supportive care needs and to investigate predictors of and changes in unmet needs over time. METHODS We surveyed AYAs (18-39 years at time of diagnosis, diagnosis < 4 years) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1) using the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) among other validated measures. We conducted multiple hierarchical regressions to identify sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial predictors of unmet needs. RESULTS A total of 514 AYAs (386 women) with a mean age of 29.6 years participated at both times. Psychological needs (Mt1 = 35.7; Mt2 = 32.09; p = 0.001) and informational needs (Mt1 = 32.18; Mt2 = 29.04; p = 0.021) were the most often reported unmet needs at both measurements and decreased slightly at t2. All other SCNS domains, except for patient care, remained stable over time. Higher supportive needs were associated with greater levels of effort to cope with the disease at both times in all domains. Older age and female gender were significantly associated with two and one of six domains, respectively, at t1 and t2. CONCLUSIONS AYAs reported primarily unmet psychological and informational needs, which were stable over time and indicated that AYAs do not have sufficient access to the support they need. The degree of effort to cope with cancer plays a key role in terms of unmet support needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Regular screening for this variable in acute and especially follow-up care settings could pave the way for clinicians to offer more targeted support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annekathrin Sender
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Leuteritz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Erik Nowe
- Medical Clinic II, Hospital St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara, Mauerstr. 5, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yve Stöbel-Richter
- Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies, University of Zittau/Goerlitz, 30 06 48, Goerlitz, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB), University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristina Geue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Gessler D, Juraskova I, Sansom‐Daly UM, Shepherd HL, Patterson P, Muscat DM. Clinician‐patient‐family decision‐making and health literacy in adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Psychooncology 2019; 28:1408-1419. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Gessler
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence‐Based Decision‐Making (CeMPED)The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Psycho‐Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG), School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ilona Juraskova
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence‐Based Decision‐Making (CeMPED)The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Psycho‐Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG), School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ursula M. Sansom‐Daly
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer ServicePrince of Wales Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Heather L. Shepherd
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence‐Based Decision‐Making (CeMPED)The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Psycho‐Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG), School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Pandora Patterson
- Cancer Nursing Research UnitThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Research, Evaluation, and Social Policy Unit, CanTeen Australia Newtown New South Wales Australia
| | - Danielle Marie Muscat
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Lea S, Gibson F, Taylor RM. The culture of young people's cancer care: A narrative review and synthesis of the UK literature. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 28:e13099. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lea
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London UK
- University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Rachel M. Taylor
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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Le Boutillier C, Archer S, Barry C, King A, Mansfield L, Urch C. Conceptual framework for living with and beyond cancer: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Psychooncology 2019; 28:948-959. [PMID: 30812066 PMCID: PMC6594071 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concept of living with and beyond cancer is now emerging in policy and literature. Rather than viewing this notion simply as a linear timeline, developing an agreed understanding of the lived experience of people affected by cancer will aid the development of person-centred models of care. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. The review question was "What does the term 'living with and beyond cancer' mean to people affected by cancer?" The protocol for the review was preregistered in the PROSPERO database (PROSPERO CRD42017059860). All included studies were qualitative, so narrative synthesis was used to integrate descriptions and definitions of living with and beyond cancer into an empirically based conceptual framework. RESULTS Out of 2345 papers that were identified and 180 that were reviewed, a total of 73 papers were included. The synthesis yielded three interlinked themes: Adversity (realising cancer), Restoration (readjusting life with cancer), and Compatibility (reconciling cancer), resulting in the ARC framework. CONCLUSIONS Three themes describe the experience of living with and beyond cancer: adversity, restoration, and compatibility. The ARC framework provides an empirically informed grounding for future research and practice in supportive cancer care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair Le Boutillier
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and CancerImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Stephanie Archer
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of Cambridge, Strangeways Research LaboratoryCambridgeUK
| | - Claire Barry
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and CancerImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Alex King
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and CancerImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Catherine Urch
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and CancerImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
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43
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Taylor RM, Fern LA, Barber J, Alvarez-Galvez J, Feltbower R, Morris S, Hooker L, McCabe MG, Gibson F, Raine R, Stark DP, Whelan JS. Description of the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort: the evaluation of teenage and young adult cancer services in England. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027797. [PMID: 31005941 PMCID: PMC6500338 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE International recognition of the unique needs of young people with cancer is growing. Many countries have developed specialist age-appropriate cancer services believing them to be of value. In England, 13 specialist principal treatment centres (PTCs) deliver cancer care to young people. Despite this expansion of specialist care, systematic investigation of associated outcomes and costs has, to date, been lacking. The aim of this paper is to describe recruitment and baseline characteristics of the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort and the development of the bespoke measures of levels of care and disease severity, which will inform the evaluation of cancer services in England. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. SETTING Ninety-seven National Health Service hospitals in England. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1114 participants were recruited and diagnosed between July 2012 and December 2014: 55% (n=618) were men, mean age was 20.1 years (SD=3.3), most (86%) were white and most common diagnoses were lymphoma (31%), germ cell tumour (19%) and leukaemia (13%). RESULTS At diagnosis, median quality of life score was significantly lower than a published control threshold (69.7 points); 40% had borderline to severe anxiety, and 21% had borderline to severe depression. There was minimal variation in other patient-reported outcomes according to age, diagnosis or severity of illness. Survival was lower in the cohort than for young people diagnosed during the same period who were not recruited (cumulative survival probability 4 years after diagnosis: 88% vs 92%). CONCLUSIONS Data collection was completed in March 2018. Longitudinal comparisons will determine outcomes and costs associated with access/exposure to PTCs. Findings will inform international intervention and policy initiatives to improve outcomes for young people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Cancer Clinical Trials, University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorna A Fern
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - Stephen Morris
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Hooker
- Wessex Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, University Hospital Southhamptom, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin G McCabe
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- ORCHID, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Rosalind Raine
- Institute of Epidemiology & Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dan P Stark
- Leeds Insitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Aubin S, Rosberger Z, Hafez N, Noory MR, Perez S, Lehmann S, Batist G, Kavan P. Cancer!? I Don't Have Time for That: Impact of a Psychosocial Intervention for Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:172-189. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2017.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nada Hafez
- Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Petr Kavan
- Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
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45
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Lea S, Martins A, Bassett M, Cable M, Doig G, Fern LA, Morgan S, Soanes L, Smith S, Whelan M, Taylor RM. Issues experienced and support provided to adolescents and young adults at the end of active treatment for cancer: A rapid review of the literature. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 27:e12972. [PMID: 30485604 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The end of active treatment is a stressful period for adolescents and young adults (AYA), but little is known about AYA experiences at this time point. The aim was to describe the issues young people experienced and identify interventions to support AYA at the end of treatment. METHODS We conducted a rapid review of published primary research to identify what is currently known about AYA experiences of the end of treatment, the issues which arise and existing interventions to support AYA at this time. RESULTS Searches identified 540 papers of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Five main themes were identified: physical/medical issues; psychological, social and emotional issues; information and support needs; sources of information and support; and difficulties accessing information and support. Within these broader themes, several subthemes were identified and explored further. CONCLUSION Adolescents and young adults are under prepared for the unpredictable and ongoing nature of the physical, psychological and social issues they face at the end of cancer treatment. Enabling young people's inclusion within their relevant social and educational peer networks should be a priority. Timely, structured and equitable information/support is needed to prepare AYA for treatment ending and subsequent reintegration to "everyday" life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lea
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lorna A Fern
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,National Cancer Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Sue Morgan
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Louise Soanes
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Rachel M Taylor
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Marshall S, Grinyer A, Limmer M. Dual Liminality: A Framework for Conceptualizing the Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:26-31. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Marshall
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Grinyer
- Department of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Limmer
- Department of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Davies J. The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. J Adv Nurs 2019; 75:1119-1125. [PMID: 30644137 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the experiences and needs of partners who are supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer. The diagnosis of cancer at any age is significant. Uniquely, in adolescents and young adults this is set against the backdrop of early adult development. This is at a time when young people may be embarking on new experiences and the development of romantic relationships is no exception. There is limited evidence of how partners cope during this time and what their role is alongside how the relationship may change over time. DESIGN An exploratory qualitative study using narrative enquiry. METHODS The protocol was approved in February 2018 and data will be collected between May - December 2018. The theoretical approach will incorporate positioning theory by considering the contextual situation of the partner with reference to their stories, including their rights and duties. Two interviews will be undertaken which will be approximately 2 months apart, where participants will be asked to share their stories. They will also be given a diary at the end of the first interview to record their thoughts about their role and relationship. The diary and interview data will be thematically analysed. DISCUSSION It is envisaged that the study will culminate in the identification of key themes which will illuminate the experiences, needs and roles of partners of adolescents and young adults with cancer. IMPACT These findings will inform the development of guidance which will help partners in the future in this area of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Davies
- Health Care Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Taylor RM, Whelan JS, Gibson F, Morgan S, Fern LA. Involving young people in BRIGHTLIGHT from study inception to secondary data analysis: insights from 10 years of user involvement. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2018; 4:50. [PMID: 30607259 PMCID: PMC6307198 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-018-0135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY Young people with cancer are often described as 'hard to reach', 'difficult to engage' and/or 'vulnerable'. Consequently, they are often over looked for patient and public involvement activities. We set out to involve young people with cancer to work as co-researchers in the design of the largest ever study of young people with cancer, called BRIGHTLIGHT. In the 10 years since the BRIGHTLIGHT feasibility work began we have involved more than 1200 young people as co-researchers, collaborators, consultants and dissemination partners. We chronicle the key points of this 10-year journey, sharing our success, describing our challenges and the solutions we put in place; sharing also what worked and did not work. Here we share some of these experiences of involving young people in this research and offer some practical advice for those looking to do the same. ABSTRACT Background Young people with cancer, broadly those aged 13-24 years at diagnosis, warrant special attention; physiological and psychological growth creates complex psychosocial needs which neither adult nor child systems are suitably designed to deal with. Resulting from these needs, they are often described as 'vulnerable', 'hard to reach' and 'difficult to engage', and consequently are often over looked for patient and public involvement/engagement (PPIE) roles. In our study 'BRIGHTLIGHT', we set out to evaluate whether specialist care for young people adds value, ensuring young people were central to our PPIE activities. We believe that BRIGHTLIGHT is unique as a very large study of young people with cancer which has successfully overcome the challenges of including young people in the research process so we are confident that they have influenced every aspect of study design, conduct and dissemination. Methods We chronicle a period of 10 years, over which we describe our approach and our methods to involving young people in PPIE activities in BRIGHTLIGHT. We describe the feasibility work, study set up, conduct and dissemination of our findings, and weave through our story of PPIE to illustrate its benefits. Through the narration of our experience we highlight significant points that both influenced and changed our direction of travel. We reflect on our experiences and offer some practical advice for those looking to do the same. Results In the 10 years since the BRIGHTLIGHT feasibility work began we have involved more than 1200 young people. Their contributions have been isolated and mapped over a 10-year period. We begin at an early step of identifying what research questions to prioritize, we then plot PPIE activities for one of these research priorities, place of care, which evolved into BRIGHTLIGHT. We document steps along the way to evidence the impact of this involvement. Conclusions Young people can make a valuable contribution to healthcare research given adequate support from the research team. Although some challenges exist, we propose that the benefits to young people, researchers and the study considerably outweigh these challenges and PPIE with young people should be integrated in all similar research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Taylor
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jeremy S. Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sue Morgan
- Teenage Cancer Trust Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Lorna A. Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Ang SH, Koh SSL, Lee XHHT, Shorey S. Experiences of adolescents living with cancer: A descriptive qualitative study. J Child Health Care 2018; 22:532-544. [PMID: 29544352 DOI: 10.1177/1367493518763109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescents from Singapore, aged 10-18 years old, living with cancer and their perceptions on how their psychosocial outcomes can be improved. A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 10 participants from a pediatric oncology ward in a Singapore hospital. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Five major themes emerged: (1) experience of physical symptoms, (2) emotional response to their condition, (3) changes in social dynamics, and (4) falling behind in academics. The psychosocial outcomes of Singaporean adolescents with cancer could be improved by thorough pain assessments and creating a more conducive hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin Hui Ang
- Division of Nursing, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Serena Siew Lin Koh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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50
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Lea S, Taylor RM, Martins A, Fern LA, Whelan JS, Gibson F. Conceptualizing age-appropriate care for teenagers and young adults with cancer: a qualitative mixed-methods study. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2018; 9:149-166. [PMID: 30498386 PMCID: PMC6207223 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s182176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Teenage and young adult cancer care in England is centralized around 13 principal treatment centers, alongside linked "designated" hospitals, following recommendations that this population should have access to age-appropriate care. The term age-appropriate care has not yet been defined; it is however the explicit term used when communicating the nature of specialist care. The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based, contextually relevant and operational model defining age-appropriate care for teenagers and young adults with cancer. Materials and methods A mixed-methods study was conducted comprising 1) semi-structured interview data from young people with cancer and health care professionals involved in their care; 2) an integrative literature review to identify the current understanding and use of the term age-appropriate care; 3) synthesis of both sets of data to form a conceptual model of age-appropriate care. A combination of qualitative content, thematic and framework analysis techniques was used to analyze and integrate data. Results Analysis and synthesis across data sources enabled identification of seven core components of age-appropriate care, which were presented as a conceptual model: best treatment; health care professional knowledge; communication, interactions and relationships; recognizing individuality; empowering young people; promoting normality; and the environment. Subthemes emerged which included healthcare professionals clinical and holistic expertise, and the environment comprising both physical and social elements. Conclusion The proposed model, necessarily constructed from multiple components, presents an evidence-based comprehensive structure for understanding the nature of age-appropriate care. It will be useful for clinicians, health service managers and researchers who are designing, implementing and evaluating interventions that might contribute to the provision of age-appropriate care. While the individual elements of age-appropriate care can exist independently or in part, age-appropriate care is optimal when all seven elements are present and could be applied to the care of young people with long-term conditions other than cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lea
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- 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,
| | - Jeremy S Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health 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
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