Abstract
BackgroundTeenagers and young adults (TYAs; ages 16-24 in the UK) with cancer have specific needs and experience worse physiological and psychological outcomes compared to paediatric and adult cancer. In the UK, psychosocial screening is a mandatory part of TYA care. However, there is a lack of age-appropriate and acceptable screening tools for this population. This review aimed to (i) identify the psychosocial screening tools available for TYA cancer and (ii) describe their psychometric properties.
Methods
We searched five databases for studies meeting eligibility criteria. We extracted data relevant to the review and assessed study quality using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and the ‘Hughes Quality Assessment Tool’ developed by the research team.
Results
We identified 35 studies which included 97 screening tools. The main constructs measured were distress, depression, and anxiety. The TYA age range varied widely. Reporting of screening tools and their psychometric properties was poor, and most tools were not validated or developed for TYA cancer populations.
Discussion
There is an urgent need for screening tools that are designed for and validated in TYA cancer populations. Appropriate tools would enable clinicians to reliably identify and effectively support the psychosocial challenges faced by TYAs. The use of validated psychosocial screening tools enables earlier detection of difficulties, fosters patient-centred care, and is cost-effective since resources can be allocated to those most in need.
| Date of Award | 1 Oct 2023 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | Susie M D Henley (Supervisor), Ewan Carr (Supervisor) & Clare Jacobson (Supervisor) |