Shifting perspectives: adolescent-focused oncology nursing research

Area of Science:

• Adolescent oncology research
• Chronic illness theoretical models
• Qualitative and quantitative research synthesis

Background:

• Adolescents with cancer face unique contextual experiences.
• Existing theories inadequately explain the experiences of adolescents with cancer.
• Research with this population requires tailored theoretical perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe contextual features of adolescent cancer experiences in the U.S.
• Relate these features to the Shifting Perspectives Model of Chronic Illness.
• Derive implications for research with adolescents who have cancer.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 64 qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Inclusion of clinical anecdotes.
• Thematic synthesis of research findings.

Main Results:

• Adolescent cancer experiences are shaped by unique personal, disease, and treatment factors.
• Current adolescent theories fail to adequately guide or explain research findings.
• The Shifting Perspectives Model provides a more suitable framework.

Conclusions:

• The Shifting Perspectives Model of Chronic Illness is valuable for hypothesis generation in adolescent cancer research.
• This model can guide research design and method selection for studies involving adolescents with cancer.
• The model emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of researchers working with this population.