Purpose: A cancer diagnosis and its treatment has the potential to interfere with the ability of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) to remain engaged in education or employment, placing social connectivity, career progression, and financial security at risk. This study aimed at assessing the educational and vocational outcomes of AYAs supported by an Education and Vocational Support Program (EVSP). Methods: Consecutive case files were reviewed of AYAs accessing the EVSP at ONTrac at Peter Mac (January 2014-December 2016). Data collected included: demographic information; diagnosis and treatment; referral time point; education/employment status at referral and end of treatment; and interventions provided. Results: Two hundred nineteen AYAs had >1 appointment with an EVSP advisor. The mean age was 19.6 (13-26). The most common intervention delivered was direct consultations. Overall, 79% of AYAs were engaged in educational and/or vocational pursuits at last known status. Engagement with EVSP during treatment for employment and tertiary educational support had a high rate of attendance at last known status (during treatment: 93% and 92.5%; post-treatment: 71% and 69%, respectively). At referral to EVSP, 27 AYAs were not in education, employment, or training; however, >50% re-integrated in employment or study after EVSP support. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the role of an EVSP for Australian AYAs. With the support of an EVSP, the vast majority of AYAs remained engaged in education and/or employment throughout their cancer trajectory. Further research will be required to evaluate the quality of interventions and incorporate the voice of AYAs to further inform service delivery.
According to guardians, CR may be used in lieu of community supports, and prescribers sometimes diagnose mental illness to avoid CR legislative requirements. Guardians, prescribers and professionals would benefit from training that addresses the intersection between physical and mental health, CB and CR.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to produce the views of parents and siblings of adults with intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) around the use of psychotropic medication to manage challenging behaviour (CB) where there is no co-existing mental illness.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven family members of six adults with ID/DD were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, over the telephone or face-to-face. The interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed.
Findings
This paper identified that if used appropriately, psychotropic medication to manage CB may be of benefit to some people with ID/DD; but there is a need to ensure the medication is prescribed for the benefits of people with ID/DD rather than those around them. Drawing on the knowledge of family may allow for the use of alternative strategies and the reduction of medication to manage CB. There is the need for improved communication with family members, inclusive decision making, and access to information regarding the philosophy and legislation regarding medication used to manage CB in adults with ID/DD.
Originality/value
This paper presents views of a small cohort of family members of people with ID/DD in Queensland, Australia. Findings can be used to improve approaches taken by service providers in their interactions with people with ID/DD prescribed psychotropic medication to manage CB, and their family members.
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