Child and Adolescent Cancer Communication Preferences for Information Exchange: A Meta-Synthesis

The communication needs of children and adolescents (C&A) with cancer are not being met. Understanding C&A communication experiences and preferences from their perspective is critical to patient-centered care and health outcomes. Our objective was to systematically review and synthesize qualitative data to describe C&A less than 18 years of age self-reported preferences for cancer communication specific to information exchange. We conducted a search in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases and applied the Joanna Briggs Institute qualitative review methods. Studies with participants less than 18 years of age with childhood cancer were included in this synthesis. A total of 3241 articles were identified, with 69 articles included. In all, 365 findings related to preferences for exchanging information were extracted from 57 studies. The findings were aggregated into six synthesized findings: (i) How I receive information, (ii) When I want information, (iii) How my healthcare team shares information with me, (iv) How my parents share information with me, (v) How I get information, and (vi) When I do not want information. This meta-synthesis highlights that C&A with cancer have individual preferences for information exchange related to their treatment and can voice their preferences. Evidence-based practice recommendations were identified to meet their communication needs and preferences.