A cross-sectional survey exploring supportive care needs among children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer

Background: Significant strides have been achieved in pediatric oncology, with 5-year survival exceeding 70% for most diagnoses. With this success comes amplified attention to the management of short- and long-term physical, psychosocial, and financial challenges encountered during and after treatment. We explored the extent of use of supportive care services provided through the Comprehensive Wellness Center within our division and identified priority needs still to be addressed. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 50 patients (1-22 years old) and their parents during outpatient visits. Approval was obtained from the IRB and data analysis was performed (SPSS ver.19). Results: The majority of patients were male (66%) with their primary language English (56%) or Spanish (22%). Respondents experienced difficulty with stress/anxiety (58%), nutrition (52%), finances (52%) and education (38%). Among those with difficulties, effective services were received for finances (89%), nutrition (78%), stress/anxiety (77%), and education (55%). Participants identified the need for new supportive programs including physical activities (84%); cooking classes (66%); and group therapy for parents (58%), patients (36%) and siblings (30%). Conclusion: This survey demonstrates the potential for positive impact on patient and family well-being when a supportive care program is integrated into pediatric oncology. Opportunities for partnership exist at the intersection of clinical and public health practice to address the psychosocial, disease prevention and health promotion needs of this population. Successful integration of clinical and supportive care in pediatric oncology should serve as a model for other public health programs addressing chronic health conditions that require both disciplines to achieve short- and long-term patient and family well-being.