Faculty Collaboration Database

Evaluation of a transition to survivorship program for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and caregivers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023 May;70(5):e30277

Date

03/08/2023

Pubmed ID

36880713

DOI

10.1002/pbc.30277

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85150349486 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Survivorship education and anticipatory guidance represent an unmet need for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their caregivers when treatment ends. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a structured transition program, bridging treatment to survivorship, to reduce distress and anxiety and increase perceived preparedness for survivors and caregivers.

PROCEDURE: Bridge to Next Steps is a two-visit program, within 8 weeks prior to treatment completion and 7 months post treatment, which provides survivorship education, psychosocial screening, and resources. Fifty survivors (age range 1-23 years) and 46 caregivers participated. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures: Distress Thermometer and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety/emotional distress (ages ≥8 years), and perceived preparedness survey (ages ≥14 years). AYA survivors and caregivers completed a post-intervention acceptability survey.

RESULTS: Most participants (77.8%) completed both visits, and most AYA survivors (57.1%) and caregivers (76.5%) endorsed the program as helpful. Caregivers' distress and anxiety scores decreased from pre to post intervention (p < .01). Survivors' scores remained the same, which were low at baseline. Survivors and caregivers felt more prepared for survivorship from pre to post intervention (p = .02, <.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Bridge to Next Steps was feasible and acceptable for most participants. AYA survivors and caregivers felt more prepared for survivorship care after participation. Caregivers reported decreased anxiety and distress from pre to post Bridge, whereas survivors remained at a low level for both. Effective transition programs that better prepare and support pediatric and AYA cancer survivors and families from active treatment to survivorship care can contribute to healthy adjustment.

Author List

Bingen K, Karst J, Anderson L, Chan S, Jordan A, Morin J, Nichols J, Palou-Torres A, Phelan R, Schmidt D, Yan K, Hoag JA

Authors

Lynnette J. Anderson NP APP Mgr Hybrid in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer A. Hoag PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey S. Karst PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Rachel A. Phelan MD, MPH Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Debra Schmidt NP APP Hybrid in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Ke Yan PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Caregivers
Child
Child, Preschool
Humans
Infant
Neoplasms
Pilot Projects
Survivors
Survivorship
Young Adult