Taking a “Snapshot”: Evaluation of a Conversation Aid for Identifying Psychosocial Needs in Young Adults with Cancer

Abstract

Snapshot improved the quality of psychosocial needs assessment among YAs with cancer. Implementation was successful in reducing variability identified in the preintervention cohort and increasing the number of YA-specific psychosocial topics discussed. A standardized conversation aid has the potential to improve quality of care for YAs by enabling early identification and intervention of psychosocial issues for all patients.

‘This is not part of my life plan’: A qualitative study on the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges in young adults with cancer age 25 to 39 years at diagnosis

“…Scalable interventions should be explored, particularly those that can be delivered remotely (Penn & Kuperberg, 2018; Viola et al, 2020). A paper‐based discussion aid called ‘Snapshot’ providing prompts for psychosocial issues and a mobile phone app supporting symptom tracking have shown to facilitate conversations around personal or sensitive topics in AYAs (Erickson et al, 2018; Poort et al, 2018). Individual psychological support focusing on AYA‐related issues including social, family and romantic relationships and a similar intervention using cognitive behavioural therapy have shown to improve quality of life (Aubin et al, 2019; Rosenberg et al, 2015).…”

Describing Unmet Supportive Care Needs among Young Adults with Cancer (25–39 Years) and the Relationship with Health-Related Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Illness Cognitions

“…This suggests that resources should be targeted to those with supportive care needs in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. One study found that using a conversation aid called a ‘Snapshot’ with adolescents and YAs helped identify psychosocial issues [ 33 ]. This could be a useful tool to identify supportive care needs across domains in this population.…”