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Age span challenges: adherence in pediatric oncology.
1Center for Cancer Survivorship, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, DPS-173, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. wlandier@coh.org
Seminars in Oncology Nursing
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Ensuring children with cancer adhere to oral cancer medications is complex, involving parents and children. Nurses are vital in providing education and support for safe home medication administration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Adherence Research
Background:
- Oral antineoplastic agents are increasingly utilized in pediatric cancer treatment.
- Supportive care regimens for pediatric cancer patients frequently involve oral medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on adherence to oral antineoplastic agents in children with cancer.
- To identify challenges associated with medication adherence in this population.
- To examine the implications of these challenges for clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases.
Main Results:
- Adherence to oral antineoplastic agents in pediatric oncology is a multifaceted issue.
- Challenges are influenced by the child's developmental stage, behavioral factors, and parental involvement.
Conclusions:
- Effective adherence requires understanding and addressing the complex interplay between child development, behavior, and parental support.
- Nurses are crucial in providing targeted education and psychosocial support to enhance medication adherence.
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