Supportive care for cancer-related symptoms in pediatric oncology: a qualitative study among healthcare providers

Abstract

Background The aim of this study is to gain insight into the clinical experiences and perceptions that pediatric oncology experts, conventional healthcare providers, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers in Norway, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States have with the use of supportive care, including CAM among children and adolescents with cancer. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 22) with healthcare providers with clinical experience working with CAM and/or other supportive care among children and adolescents with cancer from five different countries. Participants were recruited through professional associations and personal networks. Systematic content analysis was used to delineate the main themes. The analysis resulted in three themes and six subthemes. Results Most participants had over 10 years of professional practice. They mostly treated children and adolescents with leukemia who suffered from adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and poor appetite. Their priorities were to identify the parents' treatment goals and help the children with their daily complaints. Some modalities frequently used were acupuncture, massage, music, and play therapy. Parents received information about supplements and diets in line with their treatment philosophies. They received education from the providers to mitigate symptoms and improve the well-being of the child. Conclusions Clinical experiences of pediatric oncology experts, conventional health care providers, and CAM providers give an understanding of how supportive care modalities, including CAM, are perceived in the field and how they can be implemented as adaptational tools to manage adverse effects and to improve the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer and the families.

A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Providers on Risks Associated With the Use of Supportive Care for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

“…In one study we investigated the perception of supportive care use among different pediatric healthcare providers and in this present study, we investigate their perception of safety in clinical practice. 32 Qualitative methods may contribute to a better understanding and improved level of knowledge regarding important health and well-being issues. 33 There is a limited amount of previous knowledge regarding the combination of CAM and other supportive care modalities with conventional medicine in pediatric cancer care.…”

Peran Pelayanan Paliatif dan Suportif pada Pasien Kanker Anak

“…Terapi ajuvan yang dapat diberikan untuk membantu mengatasi gejala yang terjadi antara lain akupuntur, terapi pijat, terapi bermain, psikodrama, terapi musik, terapi diet, dan sebagainya. 21 Persiapan untuk memulai pelayanan paliatif dan suportif dengan membuat tim khusus terdiri dari berbagai keahlian/disiplin ilmu yang terkait dengan penanganan kanker anak. Perlu dukungan dari RS/ fasilitas kesehatan dalam memenuhi kebutuhan sumber daya manusia ataupun sarana dan prasarana dalam pelaksanaan pelayanan paliatif dan suportif.…”

Physical activity and psychological support can replace “another pill” to manage cancer-related symptoms in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer

“…We read with interest the exploratory qualitative study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal by Dana C. Mora and colleagues [ 1 ] and wish to comment on some matters in this manuscript to provide additional insightful information about supportive care in pediatric oncology.…”

“…Related to this important question, Mora et al, recently published an exploratory qualitative study [ 1 ]. The authors conducted 22 semi-structured individual interviews to better understand the philosophical and medical context of supportive care modalities, including complementary and alternative medicine modalities in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer.…”

“…The data generated by the authors provided new insights and perspectives to the current literature [ 1 ]. However, their findings must be put into perspective since they might give a biased overview of the perceptions of experts and providers regarding the use of supportive care in pediatric oncology since some of the most empirically supported disciplines by the scientific literature in pediatric oncology were not included.…”