Co-production of recommendations to improve information and communication between adolescent and young adult (AYA) with cancer and healthcare and support professionals and psychosocial support services for AYA on the island of Ireland

Background: Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) are an underrepresented population within cancer care and face inequities within healthcare systems and access to support services. AYA experiences challenges requiring more nuanced support in areas, such as education, social groups, fertility, body image, independence, financial resources and autonomy. There has been no previous research on the island of Ireland to understand the unique experiences of AYA cancer care needs.

Aims: This study aims to engage AYA, Caregivers and Healthcare and Support Professionals (HCSP) to work collaboratively with the researcher to gain insight and perspective of the type of support needed and develop a clear guidance to provide recommendations for psychosocial support for AYA and barriers experienced by HCSP working with AYA to provide support. The opportunity to involve AYA and key stakeholders within research can lead to more impactful changes within the necessary health or support services.

Results: This study is currently underway at time of submission. Preliminary findings will be available for the conference.

Conclusions: This study will offer a unique opportunity to not just collate the experiences and perspectives of AYA, Caregivers, and HCSP, but to provide recommendations from service users or front-line practitioners to inform policymakers, future research and support organisations. This is also a timely study, as the researcher is involved with the NI Department of Health AYA strategy for the implementation of a new AYA pathway, and the findings have the potential to positively impact future services.