Article type
Abstract
"Objective: A mixed method systematic review exploring the experiences and perspectives of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer regarding what constitutes a developmentally appropriate care environment.
Introduction: Providing developmentally appropriate treatment is crucial to meet the unique needs of AYA with cancer. Current evidence on the experiences and perspectives of AYA with cancer are varied in the literature. Gaining the perspectives of AYA is important in establishing sustainable and acceptable AYA friendly cancer care.
Inclusion criteria: AYA with a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 to 39 years were included in the review.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. Studies including young people with cancer between the ages of 15 to 39 years were included in the review.
Results: Nine qualitative studies and seven quantitative studies were included in the analysis. Five synthesised findings were conceptualised into two categories; didn’t fit in with the crowd and the environment needed to change. Fourteen qualitative findings (12 unequivocal and 2 credible) and 10 quantitative findings contributed towards this synthesised finding category. Findings highlighted that AYA perceived themselves as ‘outsiders’ in the hospital facility and repeatedly reported that the treating environment was not age appropriate and lacked leisure space (47.6%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for cancer services to consider the views of AYA and adapt environments to make them developmentally appropriate. These changes have the potential to positively impact the lived experiences of AYA through their cancer journey.
Keywords: Cancer; adolescent; young adult; developmental; age appropriate; mixed method; systematic review
"
Introduction: Providing developmentally appropriate treatment is crucial to meet the unique needs of AYA with cancer. Current evidence on the experiences and perspectives of AYA with cancer are varied in the literature. Gaining the perspectives of AYA is important in establishing sustainable and acceptable AYA friendly cancer care.
Inclusion criteria: AYA with a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 to 39 years were included in the review.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. Studies including young people with cancer between the ages of 15 to 39 years were included in the review.
Results: Nine qualitative studies and seven quantitative studies were included in the analysis. Five synthesised findings were conceptualised into two categories; didn’t fit in with the crowd and the environment needed to change. Fourteen qualitative findings (12 unequivocal and 2 credible) and 10 quantitative findings contributed towards this synthesised finding category. Findings highlighted that AYA perceived themselves as ‘outsiders’ in the hospital facility and repeatedly reported that the treating environment was not age appropriate and lacked leisure space (47.6%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for cancer services to consider the views of AYA and adapt environments to make them developmentally appropriate. These changes have the potential to positively impact the lived experiences of AYA through their cancer journey.
Keywords: Cancer; adolescent; young adult; developmental; age appropriate; mixed method; systematic review
"