A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients.
adolescent and young adult
pediatric oncology
reproductive health communication
sexual health communication
sexual health in adolescents and young adults
sexual health in cancer
Journal
Pediatric blood & cancer
ISSN: 1545-5017
Titre abrégé: Pediatr Blood Cancer
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101186624
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
06 2019
06 2019
Historique:
received:
19
10
2018
revised:
31
01
2019
accepted:
04
02
2019
pubmed:
16
2
2019
medline:
19
12
2019
entrez:
16
2
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer (AYAs) identify sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as an important but often neglected aspect of their comprehensive cancer care. The purpose of this study was to explore AYA perceptions and experiences of SRH communication with oncology clinicians. Twenty-three AYA patients and survivors ages 15-25 years from a large academic oncology center participated in semistructured qualitative interviews investigating their experiences discussing SRH issues, including specific topics discussed, conversation barriers and facilitators, suggestions for clinicians on how to improve conversations, and education and resource needs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. Interviews with AYAs revealed two primary themes-a need for oncology clinicians to discuss SRH and critical gaps in current SRH communication practices. AYAs reported a need for improved SRH communication for the purposes of general education, addressing specific SRH issues experienced, and understanding the long-term impact of cancer and treatment on SRH. The current communication gaps are exacerbated by patient discomfort initiating conversations and the presence of family members. AYAs shared six key recommendations for clinicians on how to improve SRH communication. AYAs identify a role for oncology clinicians in discussing SRH as a primary aspect of comprehensive health care during cancer treatment and in survivorship; however, multiple gaps and barriers interfere with such discussions. Future efforts must focus on clinician education and training in SRH as well as education and intervention opportunities for AYAs to optimize the care provided.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer (AYAs) identify sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as an important but often neglected aspect of their comprehensive cancer care. The purpose of this study was to explore AYA perceptions and experiences of SRH communication with oncology clinicians.
METHODS
Twenty-three AYA patients and survivors ages 15-25 years from a large academic oncology center participated in semistructured qualitative interviews investigating their experiences discussing SRH issues, including specific topics discussed, conversation barriers and facilitators, suggestions for clinicians on how to improve conversations, and education and resource needs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS
Interviews with AYAs revealed two primary themes-a need for oncology clinicians to discuss SRH and critical gaps in current SRH communication practices. AYAs reported a need for improved SRH communication for the purposes of general education, addressing specific SRH issues experienced, and understanding the long-term impact of cancer and treatment on SRH. The current communication gaps are exacerbated by patient discomfort initiating conversations and the presence of family members. AYAs shared six key recommendations for clinicians on how to improve SRH communication.
CONCLUSIONS
AYAs identify a role for oncology clinicians in discussing SRH as a primary aspect of comprehensive health care during cancer treatment and in survivorship; however, multiple gaps and barriers interfere with such discussions. Future efforts must focus on clinician education and training in SRH as well as education and intervention opportunities for AYAs to optimize the care provided.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
e27673Informations de copyright
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.