Encountering young caregivers: Attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction Cancer and its treatments severely limit patients' daily lives. Relatives of patients may provide caregiving assistance to help patients cope with these limitations. Many children and adolescents—referred to as young caregivers (YCs)—provide support for patients. However, healthcare professionals do not always recognize YCs, and when they do, healthcare professionals are unsure how to support them. Objective This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' attitudes toward and practices when encountering YCs and to compare these aspects according to their experiences with YCs. Methods In total, 395 oncology healthcare professionals (mean age 43.3 years; 84.8% females) participated in the study and completed an online survey. Results Only 1 in 2 professionals reported ever meeting a YC. The majority identified YCs by YCs' frequent presence in the department. No significant difference in attitudes was observed between professionals who had met a YC and those who had never met one. The support provided by professionals to YCs generally consisted of vigilance and exchanges. However, many professionals expressed a need to know where they can refer YCs for assistance. Conclusions These findings underline the importance of improving the practices of healthcare professionals to help them better identify and support the YCs they meet.