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Carpenter K, Revette AC, Scavotto M, Mack JW, Greenzang KA. "A very difficult conversation": Challenges and opportunities for improvement in pediatric oncology clinician communication about late effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31093. [PMID: 38840425 PMCID: PMC11282450 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31093] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current approaches to communicating the potential late effects of pediatric oncology treatments leave many patients and families feeling unaware of risks and unprepared for the future. We aimed to identify provider perspectives on early communication about late effects. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric oncology providers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center from December 2021 to March 2022. Purposeful sampling ensured a diversity of clinical roles. Thematic analysis was conducted using deductive and inductive codes. RESULTS We interviewed nine pediatric oncology providers; all expressed discomfort discussing potential late effects in early treatment conversations. Barriers to late effects communication included (i) social-emotional factors, including lack of perceived importance to families, worry about emotional burden on families, and provider feelings of helplessness/wanting to provide hope; and (ii) suboptimal set-up/resources, including limitations of consent forms, time constraints, and lack of available data. All providers supported the creation of a communication tool to assist early discussions of late effects. CONCLUSIONS Communicating about late effect risks poses unique challenges to providers because of the perceived impact on families and the limitations of current practices and available resources. These findings support the need for a late effects communication tool to assist in early communication about late effects risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna C. Revette
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madison Scavotto
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katie A. Greenzang
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Scuotto C, Triberti S, Iavarone ML, Limone P. Digital interventions to support morality: A scoping review. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38937872 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12706] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morality and moral reasoning develop over the course of life, but such development may encounter obstacles. Psycho-educational interventions could be designed to improve moral reasoning and attitude towards prosociality. In the last decades, many interventions employed digital technologies ranging from multicomponent online platforms to serious games and virtual reality, making use of interactivity and immersive properties that could make moral stimuli more engaging. AIMS This study aimed at reviewing the literature on digital interventions to support morality and moral reasoning, carried out with subjects of all age groups. METHODS AND RESULTS Two electronic databases were searched with a systematic approach, and retrieved publications were scanned by authors against inclusion criteria. Twenty-three articles were reviewed. In general, the literature describes encouraging results of digital interventions to support morality. Moreover, a huge variety of morality conceptualizations emerged across various contexts (e.g., professional, school and sports) as well as various outcome measurements (e.g., change in attitudes and change in behaviour). CONCLUSIONS Effectiveness of digital interventions may relate to immersive and interactive simulations in particular, in that they allow participants not only to learn about moral rules and principles but also to actively exercise their own morality to make decisions. Future research may build on the present scoping review to analyse specific types of interventions' effectiveness with a meta-analytical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scuotto
- Department of Psychology and Education, Università Telematica Pegaso, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Triberti
- Department of Psychology and Education, Università Telematica Pegaso, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Pierpaolo Limone
- Department of Psychology and Education, Università Telematica Pegaso, Napoli, Italy
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3
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Kelada L, Robertson EG, McKay S, McGill BC, Daly R, Mazariego C, Taylor N, Tyedmers E, Armitage N, Evans HE, Wakefield CE, Ziegler DS. Communicating with families of young people with hard-to-treat cancers: Healthcare professionals' perspectives on challenges, skills, and training. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:539-545. [PMID: 38263685 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001992] [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: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hard-to-treat childhood cancers are those where standard treatment options do not exist and the prognosis is poor. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are responsible for communicating with families about prognosis and complex experimental treatments. We aimed to identify HCPs' key challenges and skills required when communicating with families about hard-to-treat cancers and their perceptions of communication-related training. METHODS We interviewed Australian HCPs who had direct responsibilities in managing children/adolescents with hard-to-treat cancer within the past 24 months. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We interviewed 10 oncologists, 7 nurses, and 3 social workers. HCPs identified several challenges for communication with families including: balancing information provision while maintaining realistic hope; managing their own uncertainty; and nurses and social workers being underutilized during conversations with families, despite widespread preferences for multidisciplinary teamwork. HCPs perceived that making themselves available to families, empowering them to ask questions, and repeating information helped to establish and maintain trusting relationships with families. Half the HCPs reported receiving no formal training for communicating prognosis and treatment options with families of children with hard-to-treat cancers. Nurses, social workers, and less experienced oncologists supported the development of communication training resources, more so than more experienced oncologists. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Resources are needed which support HCPs to communicate with families of children with hard-to-treat cancers. Such resources may be particularly beneficial for junior oncologists and other HCPs during their training, and they should aim to prepare them for common challenges and foster greater multidisciplinary collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kelada
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Eden G Robertson
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Skye McKay
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brittany C McGill
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn Mazariego
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Taylor
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elijah Tyedmers
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole Armitage
- Pain and Palliative Care Service, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly E Evans
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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4
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Pozzar RA, Tulsky JA, Berry DL, Batista J, Yackel HD, Phan H, Wright AA. Developing a Collaborative Agenda-Setting Intervention (CASI) to promote patient-centered communication in ovarian cancer care: A design thinking approach. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 120:108099. [PMID: 38086227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient-centered communication (PCC) occurs when clinicians respond to patients' needs, preferences, and concerns. While PCC is associated with better health-related quality of life in patients with cancer, patients with ovarian cancer have reported unmet communication needs. We used design thinking to develop an intervention to promote PCC in ovarian cancer care. METHODS Following the steps of design thinking, we empathized with stakeholders by reviewing the literature, then created stakeholder and journey maps to define the design challenge. To ideate solutions, we developed a challenge map. Finally, we developed wireframe prototypes and tested them with stakeholders. RESULTS Empathizing revealed that misaligned visit priorities precipitated suboptimal communication. Defining the design challenge and ideating solutions highlighted the need to normalize preference assessments, promote communication self-efficacy, and enhance visit efficiency. The Collaborative Agenda-Setting Intervention (CASI) elicits patients' needs and preferences and delivers communication guidance at the point of care. Stakeholders approved of the prototype. CONCLUSION Design thinking provided a systematic approach to empathizing with stakeholders, identifying challenges, and innovating solutions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To our knowledge, the CASI is the first intervention to set the visit agenda and support communication from within the electronic health record. Future research will assess its usability and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Pozzar
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - James A Tulsky
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Donna L Berry
- University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jeidy Batista
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Hang Phan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alexi A Wright
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Arnold RM, Levoy K, Hickman SE, Jawahri AE, Jackson V, Tulsky JA. JPSM Controversies in Palliative Care: "What is the Most Important, Measurable Goal of Serious Illness Conversations in the Ambulatory Setting?". J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e105-e110. [PMID: 37591321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
There is widespread agreement that clinicians should talk to seriously ill patients and their families about their illnesses. However, advance directives as a quality metric have been called into question because of the lack of data that these conversations lead to goal-concordant care. The controversy has led many to reexamine the purpose of conversations with seriously ill patients and what should be discussed in ambulatory visits. In this Controversies in Palliative care, experts in palliative care review the literature and suggest both how it influences their clinical practice and what research needs to be done to clarify the controversy. While there is not a single outcome that the experts agree on, they posit a variety of different ways to assess these conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (R.M.A.), UPMC Health System, Palliative and Supportive Care Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Kristin Levoy
- Department of Community and Health Systems (K.L., S.E.H.), Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana University Center for Aging Research (K.L., S.E.H.), Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (K.L.), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Susan E Hickman
- Department of Community and Health Systems (K.L., S.E.H.), Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana University Center for Aging Research (K.L., S.E.H.), Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Areej El Jawahri
- Cancer Center (A.E.J.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vicki Jackson
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine (V.J.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - James A Tulsky
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (J.A.T.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.A.T.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Sisk BA, Newman AR, Chen D, Mack JW, Reeve BB. Designing and validating novel communication measures for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult oncology care and research: The PedCOM measures. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30685. [PMID: 37740578 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30685] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality communication in pediatric and adolescent cancer is the standard of care. Yet, we lack pediatric-specific communication measures. We designed self-report and caregiver-report communication measures for use in pediatric oncology settings. METHODS We recruited adolescent and young adults (AYAs; 12-24 years) with cancer and parents of children and AYAs between 1 month post-diagnosis and 2 months after completing treatment. Participants completed measures including 58 questions addressing eight previously characterized communication functions. For each function, we conducted factor analysis, and assessed reliability and construct validity. Based on psychometric properties, we created final long-form (31 items) and short-form (eight items) communication measures (PedCOM) for both self- and caregiver-report. RESULTS Participants included 200 parents and 88 AYAs. The final 31-item and eight-item PedCOM measures for parents and AYAs demonstrated good unidimensional model fit. Each communication function (e.g., building relationships) demonstrated high reliability, coefficient alphas ranged from .83 to .93 for parents and .85 to .93 for AYAs. The overall 31-item and eight-item PedCOM measures also demonstrated high reliability (alphas >.9). For construct validity, PedCOM-Parent-31 and PedCOM-Parent-8 correlated positively with satisfaction with care, trust, emotional self-management, and decisional satisfaction, and negatively with anxiety and caregiver burden. PedCOM-AYA-31 and PedCOM-AYA-8 correlated positively with satisfaction with care, trust, emotional self-management, symptoms self-management, and decisional satisfaction, and negatively with anxiety. DISCUSSION We developed valid and reliable measures of communication functions for parents and AYAs with cancer. These measures can support organizations and stakeholder groups that are striving to improve the quality of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Amy R Newman
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dandan Chen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bryce B Reeve
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Høeg BL, Sevillano PB, Enesco I, Wakefield CE, Larsen HB, Bidstrup PE. Child-centered communication interventions in pediatric oncology: A scoping review and proposed new communication model. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023:e30533. [PMID: 37401446 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Child-centered communication in pediatric oncology can be challenging. We aimed to review communication interventions with children about cancer treatment and prognosis to identify potentially effective child-centered communication models and approaches. We updated a previous review on communication interventions in oncology and searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsychINFO for studies indexed between October 2019 up to October 2022. We further searched for ongoing studies on ClinicalTrials.gov. Communication interventions targeting pediatric oncology patients (below 18 years), with outcomes of communication, psychological symptoms or satisfaction in the target population were eligible. We identified 685 titles/abstracts, screened the full text of 34 studies and included only one published study and two ongoing studies. The published study tested a communication tool to help clinicians inform adolescents about treatment options and facilitate shared decision-making. No communication models were identified. We drew on knowledge from existing studies and guidelines to develop a new child-centered communication model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Lim Høeg
- Psychological Aspects of Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Barrios Sevillano
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Ileana Enesco
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hanne Baekgaard Larsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Envold Bidstrup
- Psychological Aspects of Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Sisk B, Bereitschaft C, Kerr A. Communication with parents and young adult patients affected by complex vascular malformations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30158. [PMID: 36545911 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular malformations (VMs) are rare disorders that can cause pain, coagulopathy, disfigurement, asymmetric growth, and disability. Families affected by complex VMs experience misdiagnosis, limited trustworthy information, delayed or inappropriate treatments, and persistent uncertainty. However, more research is needed to understand the communication experiences of these families during clinical encounters. PROCEDURE We performed semi-structured interviews with 34 parents of children with VMs (18% men; 82% women; mean age = 41 years) and 25 young adults with VMs (8% men; 88% women; 4% nonbinary; mean age = 29) living in the United States, recruited through four patient advocacy groups. We performed thematic analysis to assess communication experiences, using a previously developed functional model of communication in pediatric oncology as an a priori framework. RESULTS We identified evidence of eight communication functions previously identified in pediatric oncology: building relationships, exchanging information, enabling self-management, managing uncertainty, responding to emotions, making decisions, providing validation, and supporting hope. Uncertainty was pervasive through participants' experiences and seemed to influence the fulfillment of communication functions. Fewer participants seemed to highlight the role of clinicians in responding to emotions or supporting hope, compared to other communication functions. CONCLUSION Interviews with parents and young adult patients with VMs provided evidence for eight functions of communication. While exchanging information and building relationships were described by nearly every respondent, supporting hope and responding to emotions were mentioned less frequently. Future studies should develop patient-reported communication measures to quantify the fulfillment of these functions and to identify areas of communication in need of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Sisk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Bioethics Research Center, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christine Bereitschaft
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anna Kerr
- Department of Primary Care, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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Greenzang KA, Scavotto ML, Revette AC, Schlegel SF, Silverman LB, Mack JW. "There's no playbook for when your kid has cancer": Desired elements of an electronic resource to support pediatric cancer communication. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30198. [PMID: 36602023 PMCID: PMC10375908 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood malignancy, has a relatively favorable long-term prognosis. Yet the complexity of treatment and the emotionality of the diagnosis leave families feeling unprepared for many aspects of therapy. This qualitative study aimed to identify desired elements and format of a communication resource to support patients and families facing a diagnosis of ALL. METHODS Semi-structured interviews of 12 parents of children receiving ALL treatment, 10 parents of survivors of ALL, and eight adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of ALL were conducted between February and June 2021. The interviews focused on communication experiences throughout treatment and identified domains to be addressed in a resource in development. RESULTS All participants supported the development of an interactive, electronic health (eHealth) resource to help navigate ALL treatment. They felt a website would be helpful in addressing information gaps and mitigating pervasive feelings of overwhelm. Participants specifically sought: (a) information resources to address feelings of cognitive overload; (b) practical tips to help navigate logistical challenges; (c) clear depictions of treatment choices and trajectories to facilitate decision-making; and (d) additional psychosocial resources and support. Two overarching themes that families felt should be interwoven throughout the eHealth resource were connections with other patients/families and extra support at transitions between phases of treatment. CONCLUSIONS A new diagnosis of ALL and its treatment are extremely overwhelming. Patients and families unanimously supported an eHealth resource to provide additional information and connect them with emotional support, starting at diagnosis and extending throughout treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Greenzang
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madison L Scavotto
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna C Revette
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah F Schlegel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lewis B Silverman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Sisk B, Dubois JM. The Microethics of Communication in Health Care: A New Framework for the Fast Thinking of Everyday Clinical Encounters. Hastings Cent Rep 2022; 52:34-43. [PMID: 35993106 DOI: 10.1002/hast.1407] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In almost every clinical interaction, clinicians must navigate interpersonal challenges with near-instantaneous responses to patients. Yet medical ethics has largely overlooked these small, interpersonal exchanges, instead focusing on "big" ethical problems, such as euthanasia, brain death, or genetic modification. In 1995, Paul Komesaroff proposed the concept of microethics as a nonprinciplist approach to ethics that focuses on "what happens in every interaction between every doctor and every patient." We aim to develop a microethics framework to guide everyday clinical encounters, with a special focus on communication with patients and family members. We will advance three core insights: First, communication is an ethical act in ways seldom considered. Second, microethics is an essential lens through which to view the ethics of communication. Third, virtue can bridge reflective and automatic processes. Our intuitionist framework for microethics is thus based on this understanding of the role of virtue, and we propose six virtues that contribute to the goal of healing communication.
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11
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Terrasson J, Rault A, Dolbeault S, Brédart A. Question prompt lists to improve communication between cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:265-269. [PMID: 35730518 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This literature review sets out to summarize knowledge on the impact of question prompt lists (QPLs) on patient-physician communication in oncology and to provide an account of current research on the development, adaptation, and implementation of this type of communication tool. RECENT FINDINGS Provided with a QPL, patients seem to ask more questions, in particular on sensitive issues like those around the end-of-life period and they recall the information provided better. There is a need to adapt QPLs, taking account of divergences in attitudes towards illness, participation in decision-making, and discussions about the illness prognosis across cultures. QPLs may also need to be tailored to specific concerns of patients at the different stages in the care trajectory and to the particularities of each cancer type. These adaptations contribute to the effectiveness of the tool because they make it possible to tailor it to the challenges and constraints experienced in clinical practice. SUMMARY QPLs are designed to enhance patients' communication with their physicians. Further research is required to develop QPLs suited to each cultural and clinical setting, involving health professionals so as to facilitate the implementation of these tools in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Terrasson
- Institut Curie, Supportive Care Department, Psycho-oncology Unit, PSL University, Paris
| | - Aude Rault
- Institut Curie, Supportive Care Department, Psycho-oncology Unit, PSL University, Paris
| | - Sylvie Dolbeault
- Institut Curie, Supportive Care Department, Psycho-oncology Unit, PSL University, Paris.,CESP, University Paris-Sud, UVSQ, INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
| | - Anne Brédart
- Institut Curie, Supportive Care Department, Psycho-oncology Unit, PSL University, Paris.,Paris University, Psychology Institute, Psychopathology and health process laboratory Boulogne-Billancourt
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Olesen AMR, Boisen KA, Missel M. How Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer Experience an Age-Appropriate Intervention When Undergoing Treatment in Adult Surgery Clinics: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022; 12:177-184. [PMID: 35759421 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Despite growing international attention, few interventions specifically target adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer even though appropriate interventions may improve care delivery during cancer treatment. The study's purpose was to explore how AYAs with cancer experience an age-appropriate intervention when undergoing treatment in adult surgery clinics. Methods: Twenty AYAs with cancer, aged 18-29 years, from five surgery clinics at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet participated in an intervention consisting of three main components: care provided by trained youth coordinator nurses (YCNs) to the greatest extent possible; a 1-hour one-on-one conversation with a YCN during hospitalization; and a postdischarge phone call. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data, which were analyzed in a stepwise process based on inductive content analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: a beacon in the dark; from patient to person; and the caring check-up. Participants felt safe and experienced a sense of presence and a caring environment in a significant and trusting relationship with YCNs, which encouraged them to share thoughts, feelings, and needs they previously had kept silent about. The one-on-one conversations helped them begin reflecting and in emotional processing and the postdischarge phone call was perceived as a caring check-up. Conclusions: The study shows how an age-appropriate intervention was experienced overall as meaningful for the participants hospitalized in adult surgery clinics, but more research is required to further examine the significance and effect of interventions that target AYAs with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Roholm Olesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten A Boisen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Centre of Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Missel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Sisk BA, Harvey K, Friedrich AB, Antes AL, Yaeger LH, Mack JW, DuBois J. Multilevel barriers and facilitators of communication in pediatric oncology: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29405. [PMID: 34662485 PMCID: PMC8875310 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors can facilitate or impede the fulfillment of communication functions in pediatric cancer. In this systematic review, we evaluated 109 studies from the preceding 20 years that presented qualitative or quantitative evidence of barriers or facilitators to communication in pediatric cancer. Using a multilevel framework developed in our prior study, we then analyzed and categorized the levels of barriers and facilitators identified in included studies. The vast majority of studies focused on individual-level barriers, rather than team, organization/system, collaborating hospital, community, or policy-level barriers. Future studies should explore the full range of factors that affect communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kieandra Harvey
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annie B. Friedrich
- Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alison L. Antes
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren H Yaeger
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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14
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Kerr AM, Sisk BA. Unanswered questions and unmet needs: A call for communication research in vascular anomalies. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2839-2842. [PMID: 33858723 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kerr
- Department of Primary Care, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
| | - Bryan A Sisk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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15
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Pozzar RA, Xiong N, Hong F, Wright AA, Goff BA, Underhill-Blazey ML, Tulsky JA, Hammer MJ, Berry DL. Perceived patient-centered communication, quality of life, and symptom burden in individuals with ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 163:408-418. [PMID: 34454724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe perceptions of patient-centered communication (PCC); assess whether physician specialty, patient characteristics, or health system characteristics are associated with PCC; and identify associations between PCC, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and symptom burden among individuals with ovarian cancer. METHODS Cross-sectional, descriptive survey of English-speaking adults with ovarian cancer. PCC, HRQoL, and ovarian cancer symptom burden were assessed with the PCC-Ca-36, the FACT-G, and the FOSI-18, respectively. PCC-Ca-36 scores were summarized using descriptive statistics. Predictors of PCC-Ca-36, FACT-G, and FOSI-18 scores were identified using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Participants (n = 176) had a mean age of 59.4 years (SD = 12.1). The majority (65.9%) had advanced-stage disease, while 42.0% were receiving treatment. The mean PCC-Ca-36 total score was 4.09 (SD = 0.78) out of a possible 5, indicating participants often perceived that clinicians engaged in PCC. Among the PCC functions, participants reported that clinicians least often enabled patient self-management (M = 3.65, SD = 0.99), responded to emotions (M = 3.84, SD = 1.04), and managed uncertainty (M = 3.91, SD = 0.93). In multivariable analyses, neither physician specialty nor patient and health system characteristics were significantly associated with overall PCC. Greater overall PCC predicted better overall HRQoL; better social/family, emotional, and functional well-being; and lower overall and physical symptom burden (all p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION Greater PCC is significantly associated with better HRQoL and lower symptom burden among individuals with ovarian cancer. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Promotion of PCC is a promising strategy to improve patient-reported outcomes in the ovarian cancer care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Pozzar
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States.
| | - Niya Xiong
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Fangxin Hong
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Alexi A Wright
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Barbara A Goff
- University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98115, United States
| | - Meghan L Underhill-Blazey
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States; University of Rochester, 255 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - James A Tulsky
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Marilyn J Hammer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Donna L Berry
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States; University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98115, United States
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16
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Sisk BA, Schulz GL, Blazin LJ, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois JM. Parental views on communication between children and clinicians in pediatric oncology: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4957-4968. [PMID: 33569673 PMCID: PMC8295182 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Communication is essential to providing family-centered care in pediatric oncology. Previously, we developed a functional model of communication between parents and clinicians. Prior research has not examined the domains and purposes of communication between children and clinicians. We explored parental perspectives to begin understanding this communication. METHODS Secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer across 3 academic medical centers during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. We employed semantic content analysis, using the functional model of parental communication as an a priori framework. RESULTS We identified 6 distinct functions of communication in child-clinician interactions: building relationships, promoting patient engagement, addressing emotions, exchanging information, managing uncertainty, and fostering hope. These communication functions were identified by parents of older (> 13 years old) and younger (< 12 years old) children, although the specific manifestations sometimes differed by age. Notably, age was not always an indicator of the child's communication needs. For example, some parents noted older children who did not want to discuss difficult topics, whereas other parent described younger children who wanted to know every detail. Two functions from the previous parental model of communication were absent from this analysis: supporting family self-management and making decisions. CONCLUSION Interviews with 80 parents provided evidence for 6 distinct functions of communication between children and clinicians. These functions apply to older and younger children, although specific manifestations might vary by age. This functional model provides a framework to guide clinicians' communication efforts and future communication research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Ginny L Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lindsay J Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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17
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Sisk BA, Erwin Neu A. Reflections on Communication and Care in Cancer. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-042283. [PMID: 34261808 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-042283] [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: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, and Bioethics Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
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18
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Sisk BA, Keenan MA, Blazin LJ, Kaye E, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois JM. "Don't be afraid to speak up": Communication advice from parents and clinicians of children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29052. [PMID: 33861026 PMCID: PMC8286806 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents and clinicians of children with cancer can provide advice to improve communication that reflects lessons learned through experience. We aimed to identify categories of communication advice offered to parents of children with cancer from clinicians and other parents. PROCEDURE (1) Semi-structured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer at three sites; (2) single-item, open-ended survey administered following 10 focus groups with 58 pediatric oncology clinicians at two sites. We asked participants for communication advice to parents, and analyzed responses using semantic content analysis. RESULTS Parents provided five categories of communication advice to other parents. Advocacy involved asking questions, communicating concerns, and speaking up for the child. Support involved pursuing self-care, seeking and accepting help, and identifying supportive communities. Managing information involved taking and organizing notes, remaining open to difficult truths, and avoiding inaccurate information. Partnership involved establishing open lines of communication with clinicians, making the family's values and priorities known, and trusting the clinical team. Engaging and supporting the child involved, understanding and incorporating the child's preferences and values, and creating a loving environment. Clinicians' advice addressed similar categories, although only one clinician described engaging and supporting the child. Furthermore, parental advice expanded beyond interactions with the clinical team, whereas clinician advice focused more on the role of clinicians. CONCLUSIONS Parents and clinicians of children with cancer provided five categories of communication advice. With these data, clinicians, health care organizations, support groups, and patient advocates could offer experience-informed advice to parents who are seeking information and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Megan A Keenan
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lindsay J Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erica Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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19
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Sisk BA, Zavadil JA, Blazin LJ, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois JM. Assume It Will Break: Parental Perspectives on Negative Communication Experiences in Pediatric Oncology. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e859-e871. [PMID: 33848191 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Communication breakdowns in pediatric oncology can have negative consequences for patients and families. A detailed analysis of these negative encounters will support clinicians in anticipating and responding to communication breakdowns. METHODS Semistructured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer across three academic medical centers during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. We analyzed transcripts using semantic content analysis. RESULTS Nearly all parents identified negative communication experiences (n = 76). We identified four categories of contributors to negative experiences: individual (n = 68), team (n = 26), organization (n = 46), and greater health care system (n = 8). These experiences involved a variety of health care professionals across multiple specialties. Parents reported 12 personal consequences of communication breakdowns: emotional distress (n = 65), insufficient understanding (n = 48), decreased trust or confidence (n = 37), inconvenience (n = 36), medical harm (n = 23), decreased self-confidence (n = 17), decreased emotional support (n = 13), decreased engagement (n = 9), false hope (n = 9), decreased hope (n = 7), financial insult (n = 7), and decreased access to resources (n = 3). We identified five categories of supportive responses from clinicians: exploring (n = 8), acknowledging (n = 17), informing (n = 27), adapting (n = 27), and advocating (n = 18). Parents often increased their own advocacy on behalf of their child (n = 47). Parents also identified the need for parental engagement in finding solutions (n = 12). Finally, one parent suggested that clinicians should assume that communication will fail and develop contingency plans in advance. CONCLUSION Communication breakdowns in pediatric oncology negatively affect parents and children. Clinicians should plan for communication breakdowns and respond by exploring, acknowledging, informing, adapting, advocating, and engaging parents in finding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jessica A Zavadil
- Department of Pediatrics, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO
| | - Lindsay J Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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20
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Sisk BA. Supporting "good parent" beliefs with communication: Where do we go next? Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28282. [PMID: 32196940 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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21
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Sisk BA, Friedrich AB, Kaye EC, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois JM. Multilevel barriers to communication in pediatric oncology: Clinicians' perspectives. Cancer 2021; 127:2130-2138. [PMID: 33598930 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication serves several functions in pediatric oncology, but communication deficiencies persist. Little is known about the broad spectrum of barriers contributing to these deficiencies. Identifying these barriers will support new strategies to improve communication. METHODS The authors performed 10 focus groups on perceived communication barriers with nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and psychosocial professionals across 2 academic institutions. They analyzed transcripts by adapting a multilevel framework from organizational psychology. RESULTS The authors identified 6 levels of barriers to communication from the clinicians' perspectives: individual, team, organization, collaborating hospital, community, and policy. Individual barriers were subdivided into clinician characteristics, family characteristics, or characteristics of the clinician-family interaction. Within each level and sublevel, several manifestations of barriers were identified. Some barriers, such as a lack of comfort with difficult topics (individual), cultural differences (individual), a lack of a shared team mental model (team), and time pressure (organization), manifested similarly across professions and institutions. Other barriers, such as a need for boundaries (individual), intimidation or embarrassment of family (individual), unclear roles and authority (team), and excessive logistical requirements (policy), manifested differently across professions. With the exception of collaborating hospitals, participants from all professions identified barriers from each level. Physicians did not discuss collaborating hospital barriers. CONCLUSIONS Nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and psychosocial professionals experience communication barriers at multiple levels, which range from individual- to policy-level barriers. Yet their unique clinical roles and duties can lead to different manifestations of some barriers. This multilevel framework might help clinicians and researchers to identify targets for interventions to improve communication experiences for families in pediatric oncology. LAY SUMMARY Clinicians and families experience many barriers to communication in pediatric oncology. The authors performed 10 focus groups with 59 clinicians who cared for children with cancer. In these focus groups, barriers to effective communication were discussed. In this article, the authors report on an analysis of the responses. Six levels of barriers to communication were found: individual, team, organization, collaborating hospital, community, and policy. With an understanding of these barriers, interventions can be developed to target these barriers in hopes of improving communication for parents and patients in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annie B Friedrich
- Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James M DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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22
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Sisk BA. Improving communication in pediatric oncology: An interdisciplinary path forward. Cancer 2020; 127:1005-1007. [PMID: 33320329 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
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23
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Kaye EC, Cannone D, Snaman JM, Baker JN, Spraker-Perlman H. The state of the science for communication training in pediatric oncology: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28607. [PMID: 32706453 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Within the field of pediatric oncology, communication skills training (CST) has been recognized as a high priority by professional and accrediting organizations. However, the effectiveness of formalized CST interventions for pediatric oncology providers remains poorly understood. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycInfo for original research articles assessing the effectiveness and quality of CST interventions targeting pediatric oncology clinicians. From 971 deduplicated references, eight articles representing six communication interventions were eligible for inclusion. This review summarizes the existing literature with respect to CST content, intervention methodology, targeted outcome metrics, measurement tools, short-term and sustained benefits, design biases, and availability of materials to allow for reproduction of interventions. Ultimately, studies on CST in pediatric oncology are few, heterogeneous, and lacking in standardized outcome metrics; however, synthesis of the available literature suggests feasibility and effectiveness. Increased scientific rigor is needed, and specific recommendations to advance the field are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Daniel Cannone
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Holly Spraker-Perlman
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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24
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Sisk BA, Friedrich A, Blazin LJ, Baker JN, Mack JW, DuBois J. Communication in Pediatric Oncology: A Qualitative Study. Pediatrics 2020; 146:peds.2020-1193. [PMID: 32820068 PMCID: PMC7461134 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When children are seriously ill, parents rely on communication with their clinicians. However, in previous research, researchers have not defined how this communication should function in pediatric oncology. We aimed to identify these communication functions from parental perspectives. METHODS Semistructured interviews with 78 parents of children with cancer from 3 academic medical centers at 1 of 3 time points: treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. We analyzed interview transcripts using inductive and deductive coding. RESULTS We identified 8 distinct functions of communication in pediatric oncology. Six of these functions are similar to previous findings from adult oncology: (1) building relationships, (2) exchanging information, (3) enabling family self-management, (4) making decisions, (5) managing uncertainty, and (6) responding to emotions. We also identified 2 functions not previously described in the adult literature: (7) providing validation and (8) supporting hope. Supporting hope manifested as emphasizing the positives, avoiding false hopes, demonstrating the intent to cure, and redirecting toward hope beyond survival. Validation manifested as reinforcing "good parenting" beliefs, empowering parents as partners and advocates, and validating concerns. Although all functions seemed to interact, building relationships appeared to provide a relational context in which all other interpersonal communication occurred. CONCLUSIONS Parent interviews provided evidence for 8 distinct communication functions in pediatric oncology. Clinicians can use this framework to better understand and fulfill the communication needs of parents whose children have serious illness. Future work should be focused on measuring whether clinical teams are fulfilling these functions in various settings and developing interventions targeting these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Sisk
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of
Pediatrics and
| | - Annie Friedrich
- Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint
Louis University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Lindsay J. Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care
and,Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Division of Population Sciences, McGraw Patterson
Center for Population Sciences and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; and,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston
Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James DuBois
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of
Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis,
Missouri
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