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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.
Context:
Children with pediatric brain tumors (PBT) follow a unique clinical course as diverse morbidities may emerge during treatment and may even persist into survivorship. Effectively addressing their needs requires joined efforts from various providers in order to provide optimal support.
Aims:
To investigate the challenges and needs of providers working in pediatric oncology with PBT patients and survivors.
Method:
Providers with experience working with PBT patients were recruited throughout France to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed following a reflexive thematic analysis method.
Results:
48 providers were interviewed, with a total of 46 participants included in the final study. Main challenges and needs were identified through 6 themes addressing the strained care environment, the triangular relationship with patients and their family, the complex needs of PBT patients, the emotional burden of care, the long journey of the care pathway, and coordination aspects. Main challenges encompassed poor communication among care teams, as well as patient-provider communication. Repeatedly facing poor prognoses and end-of-life situations were also identified as emotional challenges by providers. Participants also mentioned the necessity to decrease administrative task load, to increase the development of multidisciplinary care, and that training regarding specific PBT care needs is essential for providing optimal care.
Conclusion:
Pediatric neuro-oncology represents a unique and emotionally demanding field. Despite persistent communication and coordination challenges, findings highlight the critical importance of dedicated, well-coordinated multidisciplinary teams and long-term follow-up care to meet the complex needs of PBT patients and their families.
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