Follow-up Care Needs of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Ekaterina Aleshchenko, Thorsten Langer, Gabriele Calaminus, Juliane Glogner, Kathrin Hellwig, Pietro Trocchi, Enno Swart, Katja Baust
Primary Institution: Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
Hypothesis
This study aims to explore the long-term follow-up needs and motivations of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors and their parents to attend follow-up care in Germany.
Conclusion
The study suggests that a personalized, age-appropriate approach to follow-up care can improve adherence among childhood cancer survivors and their parents.
Supporting Evidence
- Two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors between the ages of 5 and 19 experience at least one chronic health condition.
- Adult survivors expressed a need for structured psychosocial and logistical assistance.
- Adolescents particularly valued emotional support from their social circles.
- Both survivors and parents highlighted the need for timely, personalized health information.
Takeaway
Kids who survived cancer need special help to feel normal again and to keep up with their health check-ups, and their parents need support too.
Methodology
The study used episodic narrative interviews and thematic content analysis to explore motivations and barriers related to follow-up care.
Potential Biases
Participants may have provided socially acceptable responses due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Limitations
The study may not reflect the perspectives of pediatric cancer survivors who are unaware of late effects and have no information on follow-up care.
Participant Demographics
Participants included adolescent (ages 13–17) and adult (ages 18–45) survivors of pediatric cancer, as well as their parents.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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