Challenges and needs among pediatric oncology providers in caring for pediatric brain tumor patients and survivors: A

Clara Lefebvre1, Géraldine Gazzo1, Anne-Sophie Defachelles2

  • 1Universite de Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille F-59000, France.

Insights

Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) care providers face significant challenges, including communication issues and emotional burdens. Improving multidisciplinary team coordination and training is crucial for supporting PBT patients and survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Healthcare Provider Experience

Background:

  • Pediatric brain tumors (PBT) present unique challenges for patients, survivors, and their families.
  • Addressing the complex needs of PBT patients requires coordinated efforts from diverse healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific challenges and unmet needs of healthcare providers working with pediatric brain tumor patients and survivors.
  • To identify areas for improvement in the care pathway and support systems for providers in this specialized field.

Main Methods:

  • Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers experienced in pediatric neuro-oncology across France.
  • Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns.

Main Results:

  • Key challenges identified include strained care environments, complex patient/family dynamics, emotional burden, and care coordination issues.
  • Providers highlighted difficulties in inter-team and patient-provider communication, frequent exposure to poor prognoses, and end-of-life care.
  • Essential needs include reduced administrative tasks, enhanced multidisciplinary care development, and specialized PBT care training.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric neuro-oncology is an emotionally demanding field requiring specialized support.
  • Well-coordinated, multidisciplinary teams and long-term follow-up are critical for meeting the complex needs of PBT patients and survivors.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Nursing Ethical Principles II01:27

Nursing Ethical Principles II

Ethical principles are essential in guiding nurses to fulfill their responsibilities, focusing on the quality of nursing care and decision-making. These principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, shape the ethical framework within healthcare settings.
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's cancer...