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The primary purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the existing evidence on the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care to adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with cancer, by identifying knowledge gaps and discussing the key characteristics and types of evidence in this field. This study employed a JBI scoping review design. CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO (EBSCO), and Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index; Clarivate Analytics) databases were searched along with grey literature sources to February 2022 for related studies on the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care to AYAs. No search restrictions were applied. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for eligibility, and they extracted data from studies that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 29,394 records were identified through our search strategy and 51 studies met the inclusion criteria of the study. The studies were published between 2004 and 2022, with the majority from North America (65%). The included studies involved patient, healthcare provider, caregiver, and public stakeholders. Their primary foci were often on end-of-life outcomes (41%) and/or advance care planning/end-of-life priorities and decision-making (35%). This review identified several evidence gaps within the field, including a focus primarily on patients who have died. Findings highlight the need for more collaborative research with AYAs on their experiences with palliative and end-of-life care, as well as their involvement as patient partners in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the cancer advocacy community has been pivotal in progressing oncology care, supporting young adults with advanced cancer transitioning to palliative care continues to be a complex challenge. Palliative care services may not be offered by healthcare providers or engaged by young people themselves. This is in the face of the recognized value that palliative care can provide young people and their families. The purpose of this study was to explore what cancer advocates can do to support young adults (18–39 years of age) with advanced cancer in their transition to palliative care. A community-based research perspective supported engagement with members of the #AYACSM (Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Societal Movement) from the United States and Canada through social media. Analysis was guided by a reflexive thematic analysis approach to articulate four action-oriented themes: advocate for advances in the delivery of care; support healthcare provider education; mobilize knowledge and share stories; and leverage technology for advocacy efforts. Young adult cancer advocacy must span the continuum of cancer care from prevention to end-of-life. There exist gaps in advocacy efforts surrounding support for young people in their transition to and the integration of palliative care services. Creative and innovative advocacy approaches are needed. This study also showed opportunities for conducting qualitative research through an existing online community as an approach conducive to community-based research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited research on young adults (YAs) living with cancer and even less concerning those with metastatic/advanced disease. The purpose of this scoping review was to map and summarize the current state of empirical research on the psychosocial experiences of YAs living with metastatic/advanced cancer, highlighting gaps in the published literature. This study was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched in consultation with a medical research librarian, for English-language articles published until June 2018. Three key journals were hand-searched along with the first 100 hits on Google Scholar. In addition, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses was searched for dissertations published until February 2018. Two authors independently screened titles/abstracts to identify articles for full text review. Data were extracted on study characteristics and outcomes related to the guiding review question. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and identify overarching themes. Summary statistics were reported. The search strategy retrieved 2846 published articles. After reviewing 47 in full text, 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. The results from the included studies fell into four themes: (1) search to make meaning of their illness; (2) patient–provider relationships; (3) mental health and psychosocial well-being; and (4) interventions. Research concerning the psychosocial experiences of YAs living with metastatic/advanced cancer is limited. The authors provide four recommendations as a starting point for further research. Understanding the patient experience is imperative for designing effective health policies, programs, and interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with terminal cancer are a marginalized population with unique medical and psychosocial needs. AYAs commonly report challenges with their health care experiences, however, little is known about the experiences of the health care providers (HCPs) who deliver this specialized care. The purpose of the current study was to understand HCPs' experiences caring for AYAs with terminal cancer. Methods: Nine HCPs (four nurses and five physicians) took part in in-depth semistructured interviews. Participants were eligible if they were a nurse or physician in Atlantic Canada; cared for at least one AYA patient with terminal cancer in the past 3 years; and were able to speak and understand English. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: Analyses revealed four superordinate themes present in the data: (1) many unknowns and uncertainties associated with providing care for AYAs compounded by minimal or no training specifically concerning this population; (2) an intense emotional experience compared with caring for patients with terminal cancer of other ages; (3) personal identification with patients and their families; and (4) attempts to make sense of the circumstance thwarted by feelings of injustice and unfairness. Conclusions: HCPs experienced unique emotional and logistical challenges when caring for AYAs with terminal cancer, which can influence the care they provide. HCPs' experiences highlight the need for training to support clinicians in caring for AYAs with terminal cancer to optimize their own well-being and delivery of health care services to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored young adult (YA; 18–39 years of age) cancer survivors' perspectives on and experiences with return to work (RTW) following primary cancer treatment. A prospective qualitative longitudinal method was employed, using in-depth telephone interviews at three time points. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five people (ages 25–40) participated and four themes were identified: YAs face uncertainty about RTW; cancer may be a catalyst for career change; employment benefits are important; and YA-specific resources are needed to support RTW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To inform a systematic synthesis of what is known about the maternal health outcomes of incarcerated women, this scoping review uses a theoretical framework of intersectional feminism. Background: Despite rising imprisonment of women, there is a lack of research, from a feminist perspective, on perinatal health outcomes among incarcerated women. Design: Systematic scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. Methods: In consultation with a medical research librarian, key databases and journals were searched for English and French‐language articles published up to February 2018. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts to identify articles for full‐text review. Study quality was appraised using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The study adheres to PRISMA‐EQUATOR guidelines. Results: Forty‐five studies met the preset criteria and were reviewed in full text. In addition, 13 studies met consensus for inclusion. Method, setting, participants, sample, relevant outcomes and relevant findings were extracted from each study for synthesis. Included studies had varied methods and were published from 1989–2014. Participants included women imprisoned during the perinatal period up to six months postpartum. All studies were conducted in carceral contexts, with 12 based in the USA and one in Australia. Outcomes of interest included breastfeeding, operative deliveries, gestational complications, depression, stress, experiences, bonding and sterilisation. Conclusion: The research on maternal health outcomes pertaining to incarcerated women is limited. There is a need for in‐depth examination of breastfeeding with this population. Researchers need to examine the prevalence and impact of carceral force, such as shackling, solitary confinement, strip‐searching and restraints in pregnancy. There is a need for research that asks what health outcomes matter to the women themselves. Relevance to clinical practice: Providers must be conscious of intersecting layers of discrimination and trauma incarcerated women experience and its impact on maternal health in the perinatal period and advocate for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines responses of viewer to a patient-led film entitled "Wrong Way to Hope: An Inspiring Story of Young Adults and Cancer." The authors discovered that participant groups significantly differed in how they linked with the themes of isolation, reintrajectorization and identity. The authors found that differences emerged for the reasons for trying to meet and connect with survivors and patients and understand the cancer experience.

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer desire peer support and require support programs that address their unique needs. This study investigated the need for, and barriers to, peer support and preferences for digital peer navigation among AYA. A cross-sectional survey was administered to AYA, diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15–39, at a cancer center and through social media. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated. Participants (n = 436) were on average 31.2 years (SD = 6.3), 3.3 years since-diagnosis (SD = 3.8), and 65% (n = 218) were women. Over three-quaters (n = 291, 76.6%) desired peer support from cancer peers, but 41.4% (n = 157) had not accessed peer support. Main access barriers were: Inconvenience of in-person support groups (n = 284, 76.1%), finding AYA with whom they could relate (n = 268, 72.4%), and finding AYA-specific support programs (n = 261, 70.4%). Eighty-two percent (n = 310) desired support from a peer navigator through a digital app, and 63% (n = 231) were interested in being a peer navigator. Participants indicated a greater need for emotional (n = 329, 90.1%) and informational support (n = 326, 89.1%) than companionship (n = 284, 78.0%) or practical support (n = 269, 73.6%) from a peer navigator. Foremost peer matching characteristics were cancer-type (n = 329, 88.4%), specific concerns (n = 317, 86.1%), and age-at-diagnosis (n = 316, 86.1%). A digital peer navigation program was desired by over 80% of a large Canadian sample of AYA and could potentially overcome the barriers AYA experience in accessing peer support. The design of a peer navigation program for AYA should consider the matching characteristics and multidimensional support needs of AYA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]