| While there is a large population of children and adults diagnosed with cancer, there is a significantly smaller number of individuals who have been diagnosed during their adolescent and young adult years. Due to their life course and developmental stages, this population presents with a unique set of needs while undergoing cancer treatment. This exploratory quantitative study evaluated the level of patient-centered care practiced with adolescent and young adult patients in the oncology unit at Valley Children's Hospital. The valid and reliable pre-established 20-item survey inquired about the adolescent and young adult patients' experiences with healthcare staff during their cancer treatments. This study found that high levels of patient-centered care was experienced among three of the four areas examined: (a) supportive and respectful relationships, (b) information sharing/communication and (c) supporting independence. The fourth area, teen centered services, however, demonstrated low levels of practice as reported by the subjects. The information gathered from this study may be utilized to inform training of healthcare staff, including medical social workers, to effectively meet the holistic needs of adolescent and young adult patients. |
