Psychosocial Assessment as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Cancer.

This paper presents the evidence for a standard of care for psychosocial assessment in pediatric cancer. An interdisciplinary group of investigators utilized EBSCO, PubMed, PsycINFO, Ovid, and Google Scholar search databases, focusing on five areas: youth/family psychosocial adjustment, family resources, family/social support, previous history/premorbid functioning, and family structure/function. Descriptive quantitative studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses (n = 149) were reviewed and evaluated using grading of recommendations, assessment development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. There is high quality evidence to support a strong recommendation for multifaceted, systematic assessments of psychosocial health care needs of youth with cancer and their families as a standard of care in pediatric oncology.

Behaviorally based adherence program for pediatric patients treated with positive airway pressure.

OBJECTIVES: Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) devices are being increasingly used in pediatric populations for problems including Obstructive Sleep Apnea. There is limited literature regarding pediatric adherence with PAP treatment or successful interventions that improve adherence. This paper describes a clinical program for pediatric PAP users which was designed to improve adherence of patients prescribed PAP therapy and involves intensive assessment and behavioral intervention. METHOD: The design and implementation of the program is described, including the purpose, goals, programmatic structure, clinical content, type and training of personnel, strengths and limitations and financial concerns as well as the challenges with the development and application of the program's protocol. RESULTS: Preliminary outcome data show short-term improvements in consistent usage for many of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The program shows some promise and provides a framework for future program development and research.