Supporting Pediatric Cancer Survivors With Neurocognitive Late Effects

Abstract

Educational difficulties are common for childhood survivors of central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Children who have been treated for brain tumors and those who have received treatments involving the CNS are at increased risk of developing neurocognitive late effects including difficulties with attention, executive functioning, speed of processing, and academic functioning. These children are also at risk for difficulties with social functioning and social isolation. This hospital's School Liaison Program (SLP) provides ongoing psychoeducation, advocacy, and consultation services for parents, schools, and medical staff to address the educational needs associated with the late effects of treatment for pediatric CNS-involved patients. This article provides an overview of the SLP model of care and discusses parent-perceived quality and program effectiveness. In general, parents attributed SLP involvement to improved academic performance, home-school communication, and school-level understanding of unique student cognitive profiles and learning needs.

Academic Continuity and School Reentry Support as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology

“…Previous seminal work on school reentry that preceded the selected search timeframe was captured and synthesized in the meta‐analyses included in this review . Studies indicated that school reentry efforts, in their various formats, were well‐received, well‐accepted, and deemed helpful by parents and educators . In general, school reentry programs and approaches varied widely across studies but commonly targeted parents, school personnel, or the patient's classmates, rather than the patients themselves.…”

“…Stakeholders reported that educators need to keep in touch with children as they recover, that parents and teachers must work together to facilitate a smooth transition back to school, and that support from teachers, tutors, and the hospital staff was instrumental in creating a positive school re‐entry experience . To support collaboration and address communication challenges, several reviewed studies suggest a designated team member (e.g., NP, school liaison) may be helpful …”

“…Support may include verbal/written communication with the school, an individualized academic plan, guidance for parents around resources and processes, a school visit to educate peers and school personnel, educator workshops, or formal school liaisons. Two studies documented a positive impact of comprehensive school liaison programs, and while these results are promising, further study must be conducted before recommendations can be made about this specific model of support. If resources are available, the use of a hospital‐school liaison with expertise in both education and medical systems may help to bridge the gap in communication and increase coordination of efforts across systems and stakeholders …”

The Impact of Cancer and its Treatment on the Growth and Development of the Pediatric Patient

“…School visits can be very beneficial for both the patient and for the classroom, as they provide accurate information about cancer and its treatment, and dispel rumors or misconceptions that may be circulating (Northman et al, 2015).…”

“…Regardless of risk factors, survivorship groups and treatment have been shown to be useful in coping and regaining functioning (Nathan et al, 2009). The study of school liaison programs have shown them to be highly valued and correlated with quicker and more successful returns to the school setting (Northman, Ross, Morris, & Tarquini, 2015;.…”