ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In order to improve the survival of children with cancer, novel therapies must be identified. Promising agents are tested in phase 1 trials in order to identify appropriate dosing and describe toxicity in children. The identification and referral of candidate patients for phase 1 trials rely heavily on medical providers who must balance their own perceptions of phase 1 trials with the desires and willingness of the patient and his/her family. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to evaluate and compare physician and nurse perceptions regarding the beliefs, expectations, and perceived benefits of phase 1 clinical trials. METHODS: A survey consisting of 21 questions was sent to 419 physicians and nurses practicing pediatric oncology at 30 different institutions. With the exception of 10 demographic questions, items were either rank ordered or rated on 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: Ninety-four physicians and 122 nurses completed the online survey. Physicians and nurses differed in their knowledge of the goals and medical effects of phase 1 clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and nurses hold positive beliefs regarding phase 1 clinical trials and support their role in the treatment of children with cancer. Education is necessary to increase nurses' knowledge of the goals and outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings suggest that continued education of nurses as well as physicians about the goals, execution, and monitoring of phase 1 therapy would be worthwhile.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic/psychology , Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic/standards , Nurses/psychology , Oncology Service, Hospital , Physicians/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/therapy , Perception , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
There is a growing literature examining positive outcomes following traumatic experiences. Although the diagnosis of a child with cancer poses extraordinary challenges for the family, awareness is growing that such a life-changing event can be a catalyst for positive growth. The current mixed methods study investigated benefit finding in fathers (N = 25) of childhood cancer survivors. Benefit finding included positive changes resulting from adversity. Participants completed a benefit finding measure and an interview describing their experience and benefits from the challenges faced during their child's cancer journey. Findings indicated that fathers endorsed high levels of benefit finding (mean = 4.1 out of 5) specifically in personal growth, spiritual change, and relationships with others. Our study extends the literature by examining how their child's cancer journey contributed to specific domains of paternal benefit finding. These results support the use of a positive psychology framework for understanding effects of a child's cancer diagnosis on caregivers.
