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Lalji R, Koh L, Francis A, Khalid R, Guha C, Johnson DW, Wong G. Patient navigator programmes for children and adolescents with chronic diseases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 10:CD014688. [PMID: 39382077 PMCID: PMC11462635 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014688.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a substantial global improvement in infant and child mortality from communicable diseases since the early 1990s there is now a growing burden of chronic disease in children and adolescents worldwide, mimicking the trend seen in the adult population. Chronic diseases in children and adolescents can affect all aspects of their well-being and function with these burdens and their health-related consequences often carried into adulthood. Up to one third of disability-adjusted life years for children and adolescents globally are a result of chronic disease. This has profound implications for the broader family unit, communities, and health systems in which these children and young people reside. Models of chronic care delivery for children and adolescents with chronic disease have traditionally been adapted from adult models. There is a growing recognition that children and adolescents with chronic diseases have a unique set of healthcare needs. Their needs extend beyond disease education and management appropriate to the developmental stage of the child, to encompass psychological well-being for the entire family and a holistic care approach focusing on the social determinants of health. It is for this reason that patient navigators have been proposed as a potential intervention to help fulfil this critical healthcare gap. Patient navigators are trained medical or non-medical personnel (e.g. lay health workers, community health workers, nurses, or people with lived experience) who provide guidance for the patients (and their primary caregivers) as they move through complex (and often bewildering) medical and social systems. The navigator may deliver education, help to co-ordinate patient care, be an advocate for the patient (and their primary caregivers), or combinations of these. Patient navigators can assist people with a chronic illness (especially those who are vulnerable or from a marginalised population, or both) to better understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and available resources. As there is considerable variation in the purpose, design, and target population of patient navigator programmes, there is a need to systematically review and summarise the existing literature on the effectiveness of navigator programmes in children and young adults with chronic disease. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of patient navigator programmes in children and adolescents with chronic diseases. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Library and Epistemonikos up to 20 January 2023 for related systematic reviews using search terms relevant to this review. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL EBSCO, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov for primary studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials reporting the effect of patient navigator interventions on children and adolescents (aged 18 years or younger) with any chronic disease in hospital or community settings. Two review authors independently assessed the retrieved titles and abstracts, and where necessary, the full text to identify studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors extracted data using a standard data extraction form. We used a random-effects model to perform a quantitative synthesis of the data. We used the I² statistic to measure heterogeneity amongst the studies in each analysis. We indicated summary estimates as mean differences (MD), where studies used the same scale, or standardised mean differences (SMD), where studies used different scales, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used subgroup and univariate meta-regression to assess reasons for between-study differences. We used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 studies (2895 randomised participants). All studies compared patient navigators with standard care. Most studies were at unclear or high risk of bias. Meta-analysis was undertaken only for those studies that had the same duration of patient navigator intervention and follow-up/reporting of outcome measures. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of patient navigator programmes compared with standard care on self-reported quality of life of children with chronic illness (SMD 0.63, 95% CI -0.20 to 1.47; I2 = 96%; 4 studies, 671 participants; very low-certainty evidence); parent proxy-reported quality of life (SMD 0.09, 95% CI -2.21 to 2.40; I2 = 99%; 2 studies, 309 participants; very low-certainty evidence); or parents' or caregivers' quality of life (SMD -1.98, 95% CI -4.13 to 0.17; I2 = 99%; 3 studies, 757 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether duration of patient navigator intervention accounts for any of the variances in the changes in quality of life. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of patient navigator programmes compared with standard care on the number of hospital admissions (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.23; I2 = 99%; 2 studies, 381 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and the number of presentations to the emergency department (MD 0.06, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.34; I2 = 98%; 2 studies, 381 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, it is unclear whether patient navigator programmes reduce the number of missed school days as data were sparse (2 studies, 301 participants). Four studies (629 participants) reported data on resource use. However, given the variation in units of analysis used, meta-analysis was not possible (very low-certainty evidence). All studies reported cost savings or quality-adjusted life year improvement (or both) in the patient navigation arm. No studies reported on adverse events (specifically, abuse of any type against the navigator, the patient, or their family members). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence at present to support the use of patient navigator programmes for children and adolescents with chronic diseases. The current evidence is based on limited data with very low-certainty evidence. Further studies are likely to significantly change these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Lalji
- The Centre for Kidney Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Metro South Kidney and Transplant Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Queensland Children and Adolescent Renal Service (QCARS), Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lee Koh
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna Francis
- The Centre for Kidney Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Metro South Kidney and Transplant Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Queensland Children and Adolescent Renal Service (QCARS), Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rabia Khalid
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chandana Guha
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David W Johnson
- Metro South Kidney and Transplant Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Germaine Wong
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
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Humphrey Y, Elliott A, Madni A, Mandrell B. Early Onset Psychosis in a Pediatric Oncology Setting: A Case Report. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:826-830. [PMID: 39012786 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2360588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SHZ) are psychiatric disorders commonly identified in individuals in their late adolescence or early adulthood. Comorbidities are common, though a concurrent diagnosis of leukemia, one of the most frequently occurring cancers of adolescence, has not yet been described in such cases. This case study outlines the clinical presentation, course, and treatment response of two 17-year-old male adolescents whose psychotic disorders complicated their leukemia treatment. The first patient was diagnosed with leukemia and subsequently with SCZ while undergoing leukemia treatment. The second patient was diagnosed with SHZ prior to the onset of leukemia. The case study will follow the methodology of Robert E. Stake (Abma & Stake, 2014), as the two cases share a leukemia diagnosis and the reported mental health impact connected with cancer-directed treatment. Early identification and treatment are critical for both psychotic disorders and cancers, often impacting the long-term prognosis. However, when co-occurring, their interplay can present unique challenges to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Humphrey
- Center of Advanced Practice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew Elliott
- Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Arshia Madni
- Hospitalist Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Belinda Mandrell
- Nursing Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Bonanno M, Desjardins L, Lugasi T, Carrier J, Labonté N, Sultan S, Coltin H, Perrault S, Provost C, Laverdière C, Cloutier N, Saragosti A, Régnier-Trudeau É, Koukoui B. Protocol for evaluation of the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a targeted transition readiness workshop intervention for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:11. [PMID: 38243344 PMCID: PMC10797753 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment. Routine follow-up care as adults is therefore essential to their long-term health and quality of life. In order to successfully navigate to adult healthcare, it is recommended that youth develop transition readiness skills. Existing transition readiness interventions often focus on disease management. However, PBTS are also at risk of social competence and cognitive functioning challenges. In this paper, we describe the protocol of this pilot study and the methodology that will be used for the evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy testing of the first targeted transition intervention workshops specifically designed to meet the needs of PBTS and their caregivers. METHODS This study will use a mixed method to evaluate three 1 ½-h workshops targeted for dyads (N = 40) of PBTS (14 years or older) and their parents. Dyads will be recruited via a community pediatric cancer organization and the long-term follow-up clinic of a large pediatric hospital. Participants will complete an online survey which includes the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) before and after the workshops. Each workshop will cover a specific topic related to PBTS transition readiness: disease management, social competence, and cognitive functioning. Workshops will follow the same structure: topic presentation, discussion by a post-transfer survivor or parent, teaching two strategies, and workshop evaluation. Workshops will be co-led by healthcare specialists and patient partners. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, attendance, retention, and Likert scales, and they will be analyzed by describing and comparing rates. Satisfaction will be measured using satisfaction surveys and audio-recorded focus groups. Qualitative data will be described through thematic content analysis. In order to test the preliminary efficacy of this study, we will compare transition readiness skills pre- and post-workshops using paired samples T test and ANCOVA to examine the impact of workshop on TRAQ skills. DISCUSSION Results of the study will inform refinement and future broader implementation of targeted transition readiness workshops for the specific needs of pediatric brain tumor survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonanno
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Research Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Tziona Lugasi
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Carrier
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Labonté
- École Des Petits-ExpCrateurs, Marie-Victorin School Board, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Sultan
- Sainte-Justine Research Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hallie Coltin
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien Perrault
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Carole Provost
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Laverdière
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nancy Cloutier
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Saragosti
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Benedicte Koukoui
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hancock K, Barrera M, Prasad S, Desjardins L, Shama W, Alexander S, Szatmari P. A qualitative examination of the benefits and challenges of a psychosocial screening intervention in pediatric oncology: "Support comes to us". Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29578. [PMID: 35084106 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment can have detrimental mental health effects on parents (caregivers) and their children/adolescents (youth). Psychosocial screening and intervention have been recognized as standards of care in pediatric oncology. The most effective psychosocial interventions to support those in need post screening have not been determined. AIMS This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceived benefits and challenges for caregiver and youth participants in the screening-intervention arm of an Enhanced Psychosocial Screening Intervention (EPSI) pilot study. METHODS EPSI consists of a psychosocial navigator (PSN) who shares screening results conducted near diagnosis (T1) and monthly for 1 year (T2) with treating teams and families. All 17 caregiver-youth dyads who had completed EPSI were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. RESULTS Ten caregivers and nine youth participated. Identified themes were grouped into benefits and challenges of EPSI: feeling supported and cared for (support comes to us regularly, having someone to talk to); and feeling empowered through knowledge of resources and services were perceived as benefits. Caregivers were challenged by feeling overwhelmed, and youth by screening questions perceived as too repetitive. CONCLUSIONS Regular monthly contacts for a year by the PSN with screening results and recommendations were perceived as beneficial by youth newly diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers who participated in EPSI. Feeling that support came to them and they had someone to talk to was a critical component. While information about psychosocial resources was not always used right away, it did evoke feelings of being empowered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Hancock
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maru Barrera
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Soni Prasad
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leandra Desjardins
- Research Centre, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wendy Shama
- Department of Social Work, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Alexander
- Division of Haematology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Barrera M, Desjardins L, Prasad S, Shama W, Alexander S, Szatmari P, Hancock K. Pilot randomized psychosocial trial of a screening intervention in pediatric oncology. Psychooncology 2021; 31:735-744. [PMID: 34813129 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5857] [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] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychosocial screening is a standard of care in pediatric oncology, but there is limited information about how to intervene after screening. This pilot trial aimed to determine feasibility of the novel Enhanced Psychosocial Screening Intervention (EPSI) and explore its preliminary efficacy outcomes. We examined rates of recruitment, retention, intervention acceptability, and monthly distress screening completion, as well as exploratory efficacy outcomes (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: depression, anxiety and fatigue; distress thermometer, pain and sleep). METHODS Parallel-group randomized pilot trial: Caregiver-youth (10-17 years at enrollment, newly diagnosed with cancer) dyads were randomly allocated to either EPSI or standard care with 1:1 ratio allocation. EPSI consists of having a Psychosocial Navigator who shares screening results conducted near diagnosis and monthly for one year with treating teams and families, and provides recommendations tailored to screening results. RESULTS Enrollment rate was 54% (38 dyads); retention was 90% and acceptability 86% (caregivers) and 76% (youth). Exploratory symptoms of depression, anxiety, distress and fatigue outcomes consistently improved mainly for caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest EPSI is feasible and acceptable and exploratory mental and physical efficacy outcomes are promising for use in a future confirmatory multisite efficacy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maru Barrera
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Psychology, SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leandra Desjardins
- Cancer Axis, Research Centre, Sainte-Justine University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Soni Prasad
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Psychology, SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy Shama
- Division of Social Work, SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Alexander
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Hancock
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Psychology, SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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