Background and Aims

More than 50% of children treated for cancer will have neurocognitive impacts of therapy, which may require academic supports and influence quality of life (QOL). Over the past 4 years, our team has conducted 2 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) engagement projects with parents, educators and healthcare providers to better understand and support schooling after cancer. The aims of this presentation are 1) Highlight parent-reported experiences and challenges associated with schooling after cancer, and 2) Introduce parent informed school integration ‘Roadmaps’ for addressing frequently reported challenges.

Methods

Initial parent interviews (n=10) explored the processes and challenges associated with schooling after cancer diagnosis. These data were used to develop a descriptive model and to inform a nationally disseminated parent survey. 175 parents provided quantitative and qualitative data which were analyzed to identify impact of schooling challenges on QOL and explore how parents navigate the advocacy required to support schooling in survivorship. Findings informed development of parent-focused resources addressing identified informational needs.

Results

The model developed reflects 3 themes (Communication/Knowledge/Process) that impact schooling challenges. Parents reported their child was stressed about returning to school (60.2%), that the cancer diagnosis made their child more anxious (70.2%), more sensitive to peers (73.4%), and made socializing (58.2%) and fitting in with peers (49.7%) more difficult. Parent preparedness, access to social and cultural capital, and perceived supportiveness of teachers were associated with higher school QOL. Six ‘Return to School Roadmaps’ with actionable information for families were developed and shared online to improve preparedness for the return-to-school period following cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

Schooling after childhood cancer can be challenging and requires parents to be knowledgeable advocates. The information in this presentation can help parents better understand schooling challenges and provide potential tools for addressing them.

Background and Aims

Since 1997 Fundación Nuestros Hijos (FNH) operates two hospital schools in Santiago, Chile. These schools, recognized by the Ministry of Education, aim to allow schooling continuation of children undergoing cancer treatment. Although average year enrollment of 80 - 85 students remains steady, regular class attendance fluctuates significantly. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the schools were forced to innovate education strategies and implement an online model accessible for all students. After presential classes resumed, a combined modality of on-line and face-to-face has been adopted. This project seeks to measure the impact of the hybrid program since its implementation.

Methods

On-line classes were implemented in the 2020 school year and tablets and internet connection were provided to the students. Parents were invited to participate in on-line workshops. Registered enrollments and daily class attendance of school years 2019 (in person only), 2020 (on-line only), and second semester of 2021 (hybrid) were compared. Parents satisfaction surveys regarding on-line classes were also analyzed.

Results

In 2021 (hybrid) attendance improved from 70% to 98%. Enrollment was nearly 70 students in each of the three years analyzed. Surveyed parents appreciated the extracurricular workshops and the provision of means to connect to classes but they expressed worry about the many hours of classes.

Conclusions

The hybrid model for hospital schools adopted by FNH showed positive results and potential for improvement. It was effective for delivery of school contents beyond the period of the pandemic, and can be permanently adopted by the hospital schools, allowing all students to continue classes despite their health situation.

Background and Aims

There is a growing awareness of the importance of the emotional well-being of children with cancer and their families. The treatment team within a pediatric oncology setting should develop programs that may ease the psychological burden of cancer treatment. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of art making in the hospital setting on the hospital adaptation and treatment compliance.

Methods

Twenty-five children participated in a cohort study. The participants were assigned to two different types of groups: art intervention (n=15) or standard care (n=10) based on the presence of art leading nurse in the unit. Hospital adaptation and treatment compliance were assessed through surveys filled by nurses caring for each participant. Additionally, KINDL Health-Related Quality of Life in children and adolescents- oncology module, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, Children's Depression Inventory, and a symptoms checklist were filled by children and their parents. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and qualitative techniques. Artworks were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers.

Results

Results support the potential effectiveness of integrating art making in the standard psychosocial care for better hospital adaptation and treatment compliance. Additionally, patients’ artwork provided insightful information on their thoughts and feelings about the hospital and treatment.

Conclusions

Engaging in art making in the hospital setting is an effective tool in improving the adaptation to the hospital and cooperation with treatments for pediatric oncology patients. Children are able to communicate better with family and providers through art. Treatment teams should use art as a supportive tool for higher quality care and as means of proper communication with children to gain more insight on the needs of this special patient population. There is need for further research in this field.

Background and Aims

I am a pediatric oncologist.

I got cancer.

How can that be possible? : Doctors are human.

I was healthy (most of my patients are before they have cancer).

I wanted to continue intensifying my knowledge to be a more honest and empathetic doctor, to be able to comment first hand.

Something that was not in the Faculty of Medicine, which I believe should offer: diseases and illness. So maybe then Idoctors would not talk nonsense to their patients.

Methods

Discusion of the experience of being myself an oncology patient.

You that have worked worked hard to put on your doctor's gown; one day in the morning you are a doctor, and now what if is it your turn? In the afternoon, it is the patient's gown that you have

Results

I am grateful that I have been given my second chance. Opportunity to be a doctor again after being patient. Being an hybrid patient-doctor part time.

If you are interested I will share with parents and oncologist how I now I understand things differently: never say again “I know how you feel”.

Conclusions

Disease makes you grow. False. It is a humble pie.

To doctors: please be patient.

Humanization of medicine is if your doctor has time, time, and time to listen to patients and let their stories come into you. It is worth it if you let yourself be touched by your patients’ experiences and their families because someday they will accompany you