Christianson Caroline, Mehler Shoshana, Reeves Calliope, Farner Harmony, Brinkman Tara M, Baker Justin N, Hinds Pamela S, Mack Jennifer W, Kaye Erica C
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, NYU Langone Health, New York City, New York, USA.
Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
J Psychosoc Oncol. 2025 Jul 12:1-18. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2025.2528830.
A diagnosis of pediatric cancer generates emotional distress for patients and parents, particularly during prognostic discussions in the context of upsetting information and uncertainty. Emotional support from pediatric oncologists is cited as a key factor in psychological well-being during these conversations; however, gaps persist in addressing emotional needs. This qualitative study explored perspectives from 25 patients with cancer aged 12-25 years with an estimated survival of ≤50%, 40 parents, and 20 pediatric oncologists on best practices for providing emotional support during prognostic discussions. Using a structured rapid qualitative analysis approach that employed standardized templates and summary matrices, we generated four key approaches for optimizing emotional support: 1) deliver high-quality information with consistent reliability; 2) dedicate time, space, and attention to families; 3) validate emotions; and 4) preserve hope and positivity. These themes offer actionable insights to inform the design of future communication skills training as well as clinical interventions to encourage individualized emotional support for patients and families facing advanced cancer.
小儿癌症的诊断会给患者及其父母带来情绪困扰，尤其是在预后讨论过程中，面对令人沮丧的信息和不确定性时。小儿肿瘤学家提供的情感支持被认为是这些谈话中心理健康的关键因素；然而，在满足情感需求方面仍存在差距。这项定性研究探讨了25名年龄在12至25岁、预计生存率≤50%的癌症患者、40名家长以及20名小儿肿瘤学家对于在预后讨论中提供情感支持的最佳做法的看法。我们采用结构化快速定性分析方法，运用标准化模板和总结矩阵，得出了优化情感支持的四种关键方法：1）提供具有一致可靠性的高质量信息；2）为家庭投入时间、空间和关注；3）认可情感；4）保持希望和积极态度。这些主题提供了可操作的见解，为未来沟通技巧培训以及临床干预措施的设计提供参考，以鼓励为面临晚期癌症的患者及其家庭提供个性化的情感支持。
