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Robertson EG, Hetherington K, Daly R, Donoghoe MW, Handelsman N, Ziegler DS, Wakefield CE. The feasibility and acceptability of collecting psychosocial outcome measures embedded within a precision medicine trial for childhood cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7339. [PMID: 38898768 PMCID: PMC11187165 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7339] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are increasingly being collected within cancer clinical trials, yet limited literature on the feasibility and acceptability of doing so. METHODS We collected parent-proxy and adolescent (≥12 years old) PROMs through a longitudinal, psychosocial sub-study ('PRISM-Impact') embedded in a precision medicine trial for children with poor prognosis cancer ('PRISM'). We report on feasibility (response, participation, and attrition rates; follow-up and responding to elevated distress) and acceptability (parents' perceived benefit/burden of participation; and impact on decision to participate in PRISM) of PRISM-Impact. RESULTS Over the reporting period, 462 families were eligible for PRISM-Impact. Family and adolescent response rates were 53% and 45%, respectively. Parents whose child had relapsed were more likely to participate in PRISM-Impact than parents whose child had not (p < 0.001). Parent and adolescent attrition rates were 30% and 56% respectively. We conducted 478 calls for intake and to follow-up on missing questionnaires, and 122 calls to respond to elevated distress. Parents reported wanting to participate in PRISM-Impact for altruistic reasons and because they valued psychosocial research. Parents reported little-to-no burden and some benefit from participating in PRISM-Impact, with little change in ratings overtime. Most parents felt that participating in PRISM-Impact did not impact their desire to participate in PRISM (72%), with some feeling more eager to participate (19%). CONCLUSIONS PRISM-Impact response rates were comparable to other psycho-oncology studies, despite the poor prognosis population. Integration of PROMs within a paediatric oncology trial is acceptable to parents, and may provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden G. Robertson
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark W. Donoghoe
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nicholas Handelsman
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Children's Cancer InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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2
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Loxton I, Oxlad M, Perry A. Consulting parents bereaved by childhood cancer: A qualitative study to improve bereavement services. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:891-901. [PMID: 36344115 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2142325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Twelve Australian parents bereaved by childhood cancer were interviewed about their experiences of, and preferences for, bereavement support, to inform recommendations to improve bereavement care. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in five themes: Care, empathy, and connection assist with bereavement; Communication makes a difference; Early and ongoing support is desired; Gender matters when grieving the loss of a child; and The pull of peer support. Parents can be assisted through empathy, early and ongoing support, enhanced communication, peer support, and care that is inclusive of all genders. Parents in non-metropolitan areas require increased and flexible support options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Loxton
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna Perry
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Childhood Cancer Association, Adelaide, Australia
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3
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Mooney-Doyle K, Pyke-Grimm KA, Lanzel AF, Montgomery KE, Hassan J, Thompson A, Rouselle R, Matheny Antommaria AH. Balancing Protection and Progress in Pediatric Palliative Care Research: Stakeholder Perspectives. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022057502. [PMID: 36069137 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care, including end-of-life care, remains a relatively new area of interdisciplinary clinical practice and research. Improving the multifaceted and complex care of children and their families involves research that (1) documents the experiences of children with serious illness, their families, and clinicians; (2) evaluates relationships between contextual factors and health outcomes; and (3) establishes a stronger foundation for child- and family-focused interventions to improve care. Partnership among stakeholders in family-focused research begins from design through conduct of the study. This partnership is the foundation of a dynamic research process that illuminates critical perspectives. We present a hypothetical pediatric palliative study; a qualitative descriptive study of the perspectives of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting illnesses and their parents after a discussion about an end-of-life decision. Pediatric palliative care researchers, institutional review board leaders, and the parent of a child who died comment on how to balance the obligations to improve clinical care and to protect participants in research. Their recommendations include recruiting a wide range of participants, differentiating emotional responses from harm, approaching potential participants as individuals, and seeking feedback from family advisory boards and designated reviewers with content expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anisha Thompson
- Emory University Institutional Review Board, Atlanta, Georgia
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4
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Pelacho-Rios L, Bernabe-Valero G. The loss of a child, bereavement and the search for meaning: A systematic review of the most recent parental interventions. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-26. [PMID: 36097578 PMCID: PMC9452864 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03703-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The loss of a child is considered one of the most tragic experiences that parents can go through. The present systematic review aims to compile the most recently published interventions in bereavement support for these parents, being particularly interested in those made from a meaning-centered approach. The search for the units of analysis was guided by the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement and was entered in Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO, obtaining a total of 485 papers of which 21 have been included in this article. The results found are heterogeneous in terms of the type of intervention used and results, but they all seem to have something in common: the lack of research and reliable interventions that exist for this population. With this systematic review we intend to achieve a better understanding of these parents' needs and to highlight the enormous work that still remains ahead in order to make their bereavement experience a little less devastating.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Pelacho-Rios
- MEB Lab (Mind, Emotion, and Behavior Research Laboratory), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
| | - G. Bernabe-Valero
- MEB Lab (Mind, Emotion, and Behavior Research Laboratory), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
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5
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Kenney AE, Bedoya SZ, Gerhardt CA, Young-Saleme T, Wiener L. End of life communication among caregivers of children with cancer: A qualitative approach to understanding support desired by families. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:715-722. [PMID: 33641691 PMCID: PMC8408277 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinicians and parents are encouraged to have open and honest communication about end of life with children with cancer, yet there remains limited research in this area. We examined family communication and preferred forms of support among bereaved caregivers of children with cancer. METHODS Bereaved caregivers were recruited through a closed social media group to complete an online survey providing retrospective reports of end of life communication with their child and preferences for communication support from health-care providers. The sample of 131 participants was mostly female (77.9%; n = 102) with an average age of 49.15 (SD = 8.03) years. Deceased children were of an average age of 12.42 years (SD = 6.01) and nearly 90% of children died within 5 years of diagnosis. RESULTS Most caregivers spoke with their child about their prognosis (61.8%; n = 131) and death (66.7%; n = 99). Half of children (48%; n = 125) asked about death, particularly older children (51.9% ≥12 years; p = 0.03). Asking about dying was related to having conversations about prognosis (p ≤ 0.001) and death (p ≤ 0.001). Most caregivers (71.8%; n = 94) wanted support to talk to their children. Fewer wanted providers to speak to children directly (12.2%; n = 16) or to be present while caregivers spoke to the child (19.8%; n = 26). Several themes emerged from a content analysis of open-ended responses regarding preferences for provider support. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Most caregivers discussed issues pertaining to end of life irrespective of demographic or medical factors. Qualitative themes provide insight into support desired by families to help with these difficult conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansley E Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Sima Zadeh Bedoya
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Tammi Young-Saleme
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Lori Wiener
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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6
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Weaver MS, Wiener L, Moon MM, Gordon B, Kelly KP, Hinds PS. Family Caregiver Partnerships in Palliative Care Research Design and Implementation. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-049403. [PMID: 34103377 PMCID: PMC8276591 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S. Weaver
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska,National Center for Ethics in Healthcare, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michelle M. Moon
- Parent, Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Bruce Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Katherine Patterson Kelly
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Pamela S. Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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7
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Reggio C, Mowbray C, Waldron MK, Rood AL, Sibilia G, Mooney-Doyle K, Hinds PS. "It Can Be Hard But It's Not Bad": Three Questions to Solicit Caregiver Perceptions of Benefits and Burdens to Participating in Pediatric Palliative Care Research. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1641-1649. [PMID: 33902327 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To allay uneasiness among clinicians and institutional review board members about pediatric palliative care research and to yield new knowledge relevant to study methods, documenting burdens and benefits of this research on children and their families is essential. Design: In a grounded theory study with three data points (T1, T2, and T3), we evaluated benefits and burdens of family caregiver participation at T3. English-speaking caregivers participating in palliative or end-of-life decisions for their child with incurable cancer or their seriously ill child in the intensive care unit participated. Thirty-seven caregivers (n = 22 from oncology; n = 15 from intensive care) of 33 children completed T3 interviews; most were mothers (n = 25, 67.6%), African American (n = 18, 48.6%), and married (n = 28, 75.7%). Measurement: Benefits and burdens were assessed by three open-ended questions asked by an interviewer during a scheduled telephone contact. Responses were analyzed using descriptive semantic content analysis techniques and themes were extracted. Results: All 37 T3 participants completed the 3 questions, resulting in no missing data. The most frequently reported themes were of positive personal impact: "Hoping to help others," "Speaking about what is hard is important," and "Being in the study was sometimes hard but not bad." Conclusions: No caregiver described the study as burdensome. Some acknowledged that answering the questions could evoke sad memories, but highlighted benefits for self and others. Attrition somewhat tempers the emphasis on benefits. Documenting perceived benefits and burdens in a standardized manner may accurately convey impact of study participation and yield new knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Reggio
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catriona Mowbray
- Division of Oncology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mia K Waldron
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adelaide L Rood
- Department of Nursing, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Gabriella Sibilia
- The Conway School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kim Mooney-Doyle
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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8
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Snaman JM, Helton G, Baker JN, Morris SE, Al-Sayegh H, Ma C, Wolfe J. Engaging Parents of Children Who Died From Cancer in Research on the Early Grief Experience. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:781-788. [PMID: 32949763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Bereaved parents provide an important perspective for improving care for patients and families throughout the illness and after a child's death. However, involvement of bereaved parents in research studies is fraught with concerns over inflicting psychological distress and issues with study recruitment. Data on research strategies to engage parents early in their bereavement are limited. OBJECTIVES To describe involvement of bereaved parents in the development of a comprehensive survey, examine the response rates with varying recruitment strategies and describe participation experiences of parent participants. METHODS Parents of children who endured the death of their child from cancer six to 24 months prior were invited to complete a 195-item survey examining their early grief experience. RESULTS Forty-nine of the 137 eligible parents from 36 different households completed the survey (response rate 36%). The respondents were predominantly white (N = 43; 88%), female (N = 32; 65%), and non-Hispanic (N = 43; 88%). The median length of time from child's death to survey completion was 11 months (range 7-26). Thirty parents (61%) indicated they were comfortable/very comfortable answering the survey, 40 (82%) answered that they experienced at least a little benefit from involvement, and 36 (73%) indicated they experienced at least some distress. CONCLUSION Some parents of children who died of cancer are willing to participate in research early in their bereavement, and although most experience some distress, they are comfortable answering questions about their experience and benefit from participation. Recruitment strategies including personal outreach may result in better response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gabrielle Helton
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sue E Morris
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hasan Al-Sayegh
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clement Ma
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Feudtner C, Rosenberg AR, Boss RD, Wiener L, Lyon ME, Hinds PS, Bluebond-Langner M, Wolfe J. Challenges and Priorities for Pediatric Palliative Care Research in the U.S. and Similar Practice Settings: Report From a Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network Workshop. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:909-917.e3. [PMID: 31445136 PMCID: PMC8499153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT To dramatically advance the evidence base for pediatric palliative care (PPC) interventions, practices, and programs in the U.S. and similar practice settings, the field needs to better understand the challenges and opportunities for rigorous scholarship. OBJECTIVES The Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network conducted a workshop to clarify challenges and identify key priorities. METHODS The workshop focused on PPC research topics and methods, including outcomes measurement, qualitative inquiry, analyses of big data, prospective collection of research data, case series and cohort studies, and intervention trials, with synthesizing summary and follow-up discussions. All attendees reviewed and approved the final report. RESULTS Five common challenges were identified: patient diversity and small population size; interdependencies and dynamic interactions between child, family members, and disease processes over time; outcomes and measurement; workforce and infrastructure limitations; and presumed burden of PPC research on participants. Seven priorities emerged: bolster training and development of PPC investigators; develop core resources; advance symptom measurement (and measurements of other exposures and outcomes); improve symptom management and quality of life interventions; improve communication, elicitation of goals of care, and decision making; understand family impact and facilitate or improve family adaptation and coping; and analyze and improve systems of care, policy, and education. CONCLUSION These challenges and priorities identify key research areas that can guide individual investigators and research funders to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Feudtner
- The Ingerman Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Palliative Care and Resilience Program, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Renee D Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lori Wiener
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen E Lyon
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Children's National Health System, Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, and the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Nahata L, Morgan TL, Lipak KG, Clark OE, Yeager ND, O’Brien SH, Whiteside S, Audino A, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA. Perceptions of participating in family-centered fertility research among adolescent and young adult males newly diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27966. [PMID: 31407498 PMCID: PMC6754273 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over half of male childhood cancer survivors experience infertility after treatment, which is known to cause distress and impact future quality of life. Sperm banking rates remain low, and little is known about how adolescent and young adult (AYA) males and their families make fertility preservation (FP) decisions. This study examined AYA and parent perceptions of participating in a research study focused on testing a new FP decision tool at the time of cancer diagnosis. METHODS Forty-four participants (19 mothers, 11 fathers, 14 male AYAs 12-25 years old) from 20 families completed brief assessments at diagnosis and approximately one month later, including a qualitative interview exploring the impact of study participation. Verbatim transcripts were coded through thematic content analysis using the constant comparison method. RESULTS Two major themes emerged: (1) a positive effect of participating in the study and (2) a neutral effect (no positive/negative effect of participation). Subthemes that emerged for participants who noted a positive effect included (a) participation prompted deeper thinking, (b) participation influenced family conversations, and (c) participation resulted in altruism/helping others. No participant reported a negative effect. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that participation in family-centered research focused on FP among AYA males, before treatment begins, is perceived as beneficial or neutral at the time of a new cancer diagnosis. These findings provide support for future family-centered FP interventions for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Divisions of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Taylor L. Morgan
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Keagan G. Lipak
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Olivia E. Clark
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Nicholas D. Yeager
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
- Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
- Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Center for Innovation and Pediatric Practice, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | | | - Anthony Audino
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
- Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
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11
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Nahata L, Morgan TL, Lipak KG, Clark OE, Yeager ND, O'Brien SH, Whiteside S, Audino AN, Gerhardt CA, Quinn GP. Conducting reproductive research during a new childhood cancer diagnosis: ethical considerations and impact on participants. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1787-1791. [PMID: 31372871 PMCID: PMC6730731 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01546-2] [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: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Research among adults shows benefits and low perceived burden of engaging in behavioral research. However, questions remain regarding the ethics of conducting behavioral research in pediatric populations during sensitive situations, including during a new life-threatening diagnosis or at end-of-life. We examined reactions to participating in a behavioral reproductive research study among male adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer and their parents, as a step towards optimizing fertility preservation utilization in a population where future infertility is common. METHODS Pediatric literature regarding the ethics of behavioral research was reviewed. In our pilot, forty-four participants (19 mothers, 11 fathers, 14 male adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer) from 20 families completed demographic questionnaires and a fertility preservation decision tool developed by the study team. Qualitative interviews exploring the impact of study participation were subsequently conducted. Verbatim transcripts were coded for thematic content using the constant comparison method. RESULTS Literature review showed positive reactions to research participation among youth/caregivers. In our pilot study, 89% (n = 17) of mothers, 64% (n = 7) of fathers, and 71% (n = 10) of adolescents reported at least one benefit of participating. Eleven percent (n = 2) of mothers, 36% (n = 4) of fathers, and 29% (n = 4) of adolescents said they were not affected; none of the participants reported a negative effect. CONCLUSION Consistent with prior literature, our study suggests behavioral reproductive research prior to cancer treatment can offer direct benefits to participants and society, without increasing burden. These findings will inform future interventions to improve long-term psychosocial and reproductive outcomes for youth with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Taylor L Morgan
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Keagan G Lipak
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Olivia E Clark
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas D Yeager
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah H O'Brien
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Innovation and Pediatric Practice, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stacy Whiteside
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anthony N Audino
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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