Perspectives of Health Care Providers on Peer Support for Adolescents with Cancer in Pediatrics.

Health care providers (HCPs) play a key role in psychosocial care of adolescents with cancer (AWC) and present a unique perspective. This prospective study included a brief survey followed by an interview, seeking to understand HCPs' viewpoints on peer support needs of AWC. Participants were 10 multidisciplinary HCPs with 5-30 years of experience. Three key themes found were: observations made and relationships with AWC; challenges to providing support; and potential peer support interventions. HCPs want to provide peer support resources but lack adequate information. Next steps: interventions should include information dissemination to all HCPs caring for AWC.

Peer Support Perspectives of Parents of Adolescents with Cancer in Pediatrics.

Parents of adolescents with cancer (AWC) provide critical support throughout the cancer journey and could offer key insights into support needs. This prospective study aimed to obtain parent perspectives on peer support needs of AWC. Ten individual parents (9 mothers and 1 father) completed a survey and a semistructured interview. Four themes were identified: cancer journey challenges; emotions, reactions, and coping; personal support preferences; and AWC's support needs. Parents recognized that AWC require various support, but lacked insight into their specific peer support desires. Next step interventions should focus on peer support for AWC, while also incorporating peer support for parents.