Screening for psychosocial risk in pediatric cancer

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Psychosocial Care
• Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Major professional organizations advocate for psychosocial risk screening in pediatric cancer.
• Identifying psychosocial needs is crucial for delivering evidence-based care.
• Systematic screening at diagnosis is currently uncommon in pediatric oncology practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review psychosocial risks in pediatric cancer.
• To summarize the rationale for implementing screening protocols.
• To identify existing screening models and approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of articles on psychosocial screening in pediatric oncology.
• Identification and summary of key screening models and approaches.
• Discussion of implications for broad implementation.

Main Results:

• Three distinct screening models were identified.
• Two primary screening approaches, the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT), were highlighted.
• Numerous articles support the need for screening.

Conclusions:

• Despite strong recommendations, systematic psychosocial screening is not standard practice in pediatric oncology.
• The identified models and approaches offer pathways for implementing effective screening.
• Broad implementation across treatment settings is discussed as a future direction.