Questionnaire survey of problems that medical staff members in pediatric departments encounter when treating teenagers or older patients with cancer

Abstract

[Background] The number of adolescents and young adults with cancer treated by pediatricians is increasing because of the priority of the pediatric regimen in some diseases and many aspects that we can support, such as physical and mental immaturity, needs for studying, and relationship with their parents. Medical staff members might encounter various problems, but there are few studies and reports about their problems. [Purpose] The aims of this study are to comprehend the actual situation of pediatric staff members who treat teenagers or older patients with cancer and to address their problems. [Method] We carried out a questionnaire survey targeting medical staff members (n=93 at six institutions) who attend to teenagers or older patients with cancer, such as doctors, nurses, school teachers, psychologists, and other medical staff members. [Results] Medical staff members encountered much difficulty and various problems in attending to teenagers and older patients. Nurses and other staff members felt more difficulty than doctors. They strongly felt the need for more support for them. We also found insufficient support for the patients regarding psychological problems and worries about future life events and inconsistent opinions about the preservation of fertility before aggressive therapy. [Conclusion] Pediatric staff members have many difficulties when treating teenagers and older patients. Sharing these problems with various staff members in various institutions will achieve better treatment and care for them.