| dc.description.abstract | Transitioning young adult (YA) survivors of pediatric cancer to the adult care setting is a multifactorial challenge. A successful transition considers the educational, social, developmental, and emotional needs of the survivor. With the number of childhood cancer survivors on the rise, health care providers need to standardize the transition process. The current literature has identified several barriers to transition, but the components of a successful transition still demand attention. The purpose of this study was to gain further insight from YA survivors about their transition experience. Participants were eligible for recruitment if they were eighteen years of age or older and were no longer receiving pediatric oncology services. The total sample included 50 participants. Participants completed a demographic data form and a medical care survey. The medical care survey included "yes/no" questions concerning the consistency and quality of the participants' follow-up care and an open-ended response question regarding the success of the participant's transition from pediatric to adult focused care. Within the sample of participants, 54% of participants responded that their transition out of their pediatric facility was successful, and 40% of participants responded that their transition was unsuccessful. Further analysis of quantitative and qualitative data identified that pediatric oncology providers successfully educate YA survivors about the risk factors related to their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Though survivors are aware of risk factors, there remains a lack of knowledge about the importance of risk-based, long-term follow-up care. The investigators of the current study concluded that YA survivors perceive transition as a complex life requiring a comprehensive approach. | |
