Provider-Engaged Development of a Sexual Dysfunction Screening Approach for Adolescents and Young Adult Childhood...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Patient Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects 20-50% of childhood cancer survivors.
• National guidelines advocate for sexuality discussions during cancer care.
• SD is underrecognized and undertreated, impacting comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-design a sexual dysfunction (SD) screening intervention prototype with provider partners for clinical oncology settings.
• To outline the co-design process as a case study, detailing challenges and strategies for consensus-driven intervention development.
• To create a prototype for improved SD screening and management in pediatric cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Engaged pediatric cancer providers in multiple co-design sessions at an NCI-designated cancer center.
• Utilized templates outlining considerations and decisions for intervention components.
• Facilitated consensus-driven decision-making on screening modality, workflow, and management.
• Conducted rapid qualitative analysis to synthesize findings and develop a menu of intervention options.

Main Results:

• Six providers from various oncology subspecialties participated in 5 co-design sessions.
• Consensus was reached on key intervention and implementation decisions, including target population, screening frequency, and modality.
• Interconnected decisions required iterative adjustments to ensure a cohesive prototype.
• Moderator strategies facilitated decision-making and alignment with patient and provider priorities.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative co-design with providers yielded a preliminary SD screening approach for adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors.
• The co-design process ensured intervention and implementation decisions reflected identified priorities.
• Future research will focus on testing, adapting, and refining the prototype before effectiveness trials and dissemination.