Meeting the Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: An Exploration of Professional Competency, Training and Perceived Barriers to Service Provision on the island of Ireland

Objectives
This study explores the perspectives of health care and support professionals (HCSPs) in their experiences performing psychosocial work with adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with cancer on the island of Ireland.
Methods
A bespoke survey was developed to explore (1) demographics, (2) awareness of AYA psychosocial needs, (3) perceived competency and confidence in managing communication with AYA, (4) knowledge of support services available and patterns of referral to those services, (5) training and education for psychosocial work, and (6) barriers or challenges experienced when communicating with AYA. The survey captured responses from 28 HCSPs working with AYA. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Results
Confidence of HSCPs in skills required for psychosocial work varied depending on their years of experience working with AYAs and whether they had specialized education or training relating to AYAs. All felt that they could have more training, especially regarding communication with AYAs. HCSPs had a good awareness of most support services, but 19 (67.9%) would like further information on support services. The primary concern among participants was how to determine AYA unmet needs (n = 18, 64.3%). Three themes with subthemes were developed from the vignette responses: (1) initial approach, (2) considerations for support, and (3) involving family or partner.
Conclusion
The findings highlight that a lack of time, lack of understanding of AYA psychosocial needs, and access to resources contribute to the difficulties HSCPs might encounter. Improving access to resources for HCSPs on the island could improve HSCPs’ skills, knowledge, and confidence in working with AYAs.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Development of further specialized education/training for understanding the psychosocial needs of AYAs with cancer and how to communicate effectively with AYAs would be beneficial to HSCPs working on the island of Ireland.