Pediatric Cancer Patients' Treatment Journey: Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Narratives

Kuntz, Nancy L.; Anazodo, Antoinette; Bowden, Vicky R.; Sender, Leonard S.; Morgan, Heather

doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2019.06.003

Cited by 24 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Changes in self‐esteem, including those related to cognition and academic difficulties, were commonly noted among the study narratives; a finding that was again consistent with existing patient narrative research . While the recognition of neurotoxic effects of cancer treatment has been well documented, the impact of these symptoms on self‐esteem is not as well studied.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

“…Interestingly, even patients who were younger in the adolescent age range (the study population went as young as age 11 at diagnosis) described feeling out of place in the hospital and several other experiences consistent with older AYA patients (including lack of ability to participate in normal developmental social activities with same aged peers , ). A number of other narrative‐based studies, including those utilizing film, have highlighted the importance of connecting with same‐aged peers to experience normal social development, especially those who understand what AYA oncology patients are going through …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thematic content of video narratives in patients and survivors of adolescent cancer

2020

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Objective: Modern day adolescents and young adults (AYAs) connect with their peers via a number of increasingly novel ways, many of which involve social media.These online relationships are often translated offline to increase one's social standing and quality of in-person relationships. However, when an AYA is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, like cancer, in-person relationships with peers become difficult and the online component of socialization is all that is left. Video testimonials are a way that some AYAs have chosen to reach out to their peers; however, little is known about what AYAs are saying in these videos and how they are using them to connect with peers on a more intimate level.Methods: This study examined the content of video testimonials of n = 25 AYA cancer patients and survivors. Transcripts of videos were coded by a team of researchers to identify themes and overall tone.Results: Results suggested that films focused on struggles AYAs faced during their cancer journeys with a number of themes emerging; additionally, a hopeful tone was seen around the overall impact that cancer had on the patient's life.Conclusions: It may be the case that video testimonials are an effective way to allow AYA patients with a cancer history to explore their thoughts about their illness experience and fill an important social gap not available to them as they undergo treatment. K E Y W O R D S AYA, cancer, illness narrative, oncology, thematic analysis, video narrative 1 | BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is typically a time focused on forging an understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. These developmental tasks rely heavily on the importance of peer relationships and seminal coming of age experiences. A cancer diagnosis puts an end to what is typical and creates a disruption in this process. Research around adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients suggests that keeping close peer relationships is vital to healthy coping and adjustment to one's cancer experience. 1 However, AYA patients are both physically and emotionally isolated from their peers. 2 New research is now exploring social networking and specifically video narratives as a way to connect with peers during cancer treatment. Little research has focused on the thematic content of these narratives. This paper aims to identify common themes discussed within cancer narratives, how these may relate to AYA tasks of development, and how this reflects the content of other similar narrative-based interventions with this population.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thematic content of video narratives in patients and survivors of adolescent cancer

2020

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“…Studies specifically examining letter writing programs for children with cancer were not found. In a qualitative descriptive study on pediatric cancer patients' treatment journey narratives, the importance of telling one's cancer story in writing was highlighted, though not specifically with writing letters; the examples included college essays and journaling (Kuntz et al, 2019). In a thematic narrative analysis on cancer blogs of young adults, Iannarino (2018) found that writing was a tool to enhance connection with others, including others with cancer, as well as a way to document and process the cancer experience.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Interventions that help children with cancer work through the trauma of cancer diagnosis and treatment are needed, and nurses are powerfully positioned to support patients in engaging in interventions that promote wellness (Kuntz et al, 2019). Virtual AAT is one such intervention, and is suited for those patients who have an affinity for animals and enjoy letter writing.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Coping with a cancer diagnosis and managing the treatments is painful and challenging, and for some patients, the psychological aspects of treatment are far worse than the physical (Laing et al, 2017). Repeated and lengthy hospitalizations leave patients isolated and disconnected from friends and school activities (Kuntz et al, 2019). Other therapy-related complications such as neutropenia, fever, anemia, mucositis, and enterocolitis may further worsen emotional and physical functioning (Tsai et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Youth and Pet Survivors: Exploring the Experiences of Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Patients in a Virtual Animal-Assisted Therapy Pen Pal Program

Gillespie

Neu

2020

J Pediatr Oncol Nurs

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Introduction: YAPS™ (Youth and Pet Survivors™) is a form of virtual animal-assisted therapy (AAT), a pen pal program designed for children and adolescents with cancer and/or having a bone marrow transplant (BMT) to engage in virtual visits with a dog or a cat (who has also been treated for cancer or serious medical illness) through letter writing and pictures. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experiences of YAPS participants over time and to explore how virtual AAT may be an additional or alternative intervention to the traditional form of AAT, which involves live visits with animals, primarily dogs. Method: Open-ended, face-to-face interviews were conducted throughout the participants’ involvement with their animal pen pal. Interviews were digitally recorded. Data were analyzed using a content analysis method. Results: Fifteen children and adolescents, aged 7 to 16 years, participated. Three main themes and five subthemes were found, including connection, shared experience, and friendship. Themes suggested that a virtual AAT letter writing program can provide a source of fun and a way to process the cancer experience with a dog or cat pen pal who has also faced cancer or serious medical treatment. Discussion: Interventions that promote well-being for pediatric oncology and BMT patients are needed, and virtual AAT seems to be one such intervention suited for those who have an affinity for animals and enjoy letter writing. The findings of this study also presented an exciting and intriguing gap for further research in virtual AAT.

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Design and methods of a randomized web-based physical activity intervention among children with cancer: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

Ware

Kadan‐Lottick²,

Devidas

et al. 2022

Contemporary Clinical Trials

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Pediatric Cancer Patients' Treatment Journey: Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Narratives

Cited by 24 publications

References 8 publications

Thematic content of video narratives in patients and survivors of adolescent cancer

Thematic content of video narratives in patients and survivors of adolescent cancer

Youth and Pet Survivors: Exploring the Experiences of Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Patients in a Virtual Animal-Assisted Therapy Pen Pal Program

Design and methods of a randomized web-based physical activity intervention among children with cancer: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

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