Assessing the psychosocial needs and program preferences of adolescents and young adults with cancer

Abstract

New information was identified that can be used to address access barriers and to offer AYA psychosocial programs in formats that might improve interest and accessibility. Ongoing evaluation of AYA psychosocial programs is recommended to determine acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness to meet the evolving needs of AYA patients with cancer.

A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

“…We recruited AYAs between the ages of 15 and 25 years at a single large academic cancer center during outpatient visits between February and August 2017. Although the defined age range of AYAs varies by study and by country, the age range of 15‐25 years old was selected based on the developmental tasks pertinent to these life stages (adolescence and emerging adulthood) . Additionally, this age range is commonly selected for the study of AYAs and is appropriate for research targeting pediatric oncology clinicians .…”

Measuring the efficacy of a project for adolescents and young adults with cancer: A study from the Milan Youth Project

“…Our patient satisfaction survey had various weaknesses, particularly the fact that it was answered only by patients involved in the Youth Project activities, who were more likely to have a positive attitude to such initiatives. Far from being a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative survey on the quality of life and psychosocial needs of AYA, as undertaken by other authors, the questionnaire was simply a preliminary tool for collecting positive and negative comments from our patients and involving them in assessing the program. The questionnaire nonetheless revealed our patients’ favorable judgment, particularly as concerns relational aspects, and it further confirms the value of such projects.…”

Problem‐solving skills, parent–adolescent communication, dyadic functioning, and distress among adolescents with cancer

“…1 Despite unique developmental challenges, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are not always distinguished from younger children or adults in research or in clinical care. 2 …”

“…1 Despite unique developmental challenges, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are not always distinguished from younger children or adults in research or in clinical care. 2 While the broader pediatric literature finds that the majority of patients demonstrate psychological resiliency following cancer diagnosis, 3 the literature on AYA patients is less clear. 4 Recent work suggests that more than half of AYA patients demonstrate resiliency throughout the year following diagnosis, but 35% report clinically elevated distress at some point during that time.…”

“…5 Further, many AYA patients and survivors report unmet information and psychosocial needs. 2,5 Better understanding of correlates of distress can lead to new developmentally appropriate strategies to help AYA patients adjust.…”