Familial diagnostic experiences in paediatric oncology
N T Evans1, C E Wakefield1, J K McLoone1
11] Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia [2] Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
Background:
Diagnostic delays may not have significant prognostic implications in paediatric oncology, but psychological impacts remain understudied.
Methods:
Interviews exploring diagnostic experiences were conducted with childhood cancer survivors (n=19), parents (n=78) and siblings (n=15).
Results:
Median diagnostic time was 3 weeks. Participants described a mixture of rapid diagnoses (28.9%), plus delayed appraisal intervals (that is, parent- or patient-associated diagnostic delays; 40.0%) and diagnostic intervals (that is, healthcare-associated delays; 46.7%). Families experiencing delays described guilt and anger and deleterious impacts on the family-clinician relationship. Some believed delays impacted on treatment and prognosis.
Conclusions:
The effect of the diagnostic experience can be considerable.
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