On the basis of data collected from the International Agency for Research on Cancer Registry in Karachi, it is estimated that about 8000 children (18 years and younger) suffer from cancer each year in Pakistan (Ashraf, 2012). Children Cancer Hospital [CCH], Karachi, started with humble beginnings and presently has expanded to a 44 bed facility with three specialised paediatric oncologists and twelve doctors offering specialised and advanced care to every child free of cost (CCH, 2016). Over the years the number of adolescents and young adults [AYA] presenting to the paediatric facility have increased considerably. CCH currently takes in children and AYA up to the age of 18 years whilst 19 year old are referred to adult oncology facilities.
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Furthermore, LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance collaborated with industry personnel and services to put forth recommendations to supplement existing standards of care and raise awareness for need of evidence based guidelines (Zebrack, Bradshaw, & Siegel, 2010). Recommendations included awareness of AYA specific developmental needs, timely detection through treatment, survivorship or palliative care, and provision of supportive services in medical and psychosocial aspects. Most importantly, where resources or access to AYA specific care is limited to collaborate with other healthcare services and community service providers to supplement their care. DFCI-Boston, USA and M.D. Anderson Houston, USA have AYA supportive care with paediatric and adult hospitals. The program proposal to improve service delivery to AYAs in CCH aims to address the gap that arises due to their developmental stage while they are treated in paediatric settings (McCabe, Partridge, Grunfeld, & Hudson, …show more content…
An initial survey will be conducted to gather feedback from AYA cancer patients. The seven question [approx 20 min] survey used is based on a needs Assessment Survey developed by Barakat and colleagues. Their findings revealed that AYA cancer patients have unique needs which are currently unmet in most paediatric/adult settings (Barakat, Galtieri, Szalda, &Schwartz, 2016). Cancer during AYA years may inhabit the ability to achieve developmental milestones which at times affects the self image and coping capabilities of AYAs causing depression and anxiety (Zebrack & Isaacson, 2012). The program aims to improve service delivery by providing opportunities to AYAs to participate in age appropriate activities to promote a sense of normalcy and wellbeing (D’Agostino, et al.,
Furthermore, LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance collaborated with industry personnel and services to put forth recommendations to supplement existing standards of care and raise awareness for need of evidence based guidelines (Zebrack, Bradshaw, & Siegel, 2010). Recommendations included awareness of AYA specific developmental needs, timely detection through treatment, survivorship or palliative care, and provision of supportive services in medical and psychosocial aspects. Most importantly, where resources or access to AYA specific care is limited to collaborate with other healthcare services and community service providers to supplement their care. DFCI-Boston, USA and M.D. Anderson Houston, USA have AYA supportive care with paediatric and adult hospitals. The program proposal to improve service delivery to AYAs in CCH aims to address the gap that arises due to their developmental stage while they are treated in paediatric settings (McCabe, Partridge, Grunfeld, & Hudson, …show more content…
An initial survey will be conducted to gather feedback from AYA cancer patients. The seven question [approx 20 min] survey used is based on a needs Assessment Survey developed by Barakat and colleagues. Their findings revealed that AYA cancer patients have unique needs which are currently unmet in most paediatric/adult settings (Barakat, Galtieri, Szalda, &Schwartz, 2016). Cancer during AYA years may inhabit the ability to achieve developmental milestones which at times affects the self image and coping capabilities of AYAs causing depression and anxiety (Zebrack & Isaacson, 2012). The program aims to improve service delivery by providing opportunities to AYAs to participate in age appropriate activities to promote a sense of normalcy and wellbeing (D’Agostino, et al.,