Educating Pediatric Oncology Clinicians on Sexual Health Care for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Results From a Proof-of-Concept Study.

Purpose

This work reports on the proof-of-concept testing for a suite of educational modules designed to improve oncology clinician sexual health (SH) communication with adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients.

Methods

Pediatric oncology clinicians completed four interactive SH education modules. Intervention feasibility was evaluated through rates of intervention completion and study retention, with benchmarks of 60% and 70%, respectively. Acceptability and perceived usefulness were assessed through standardized self-report measures, using a benchmark of 70% of participants rating the intervention favorably. Pre- and postsurveys evaluated knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, SH communication practices, and perceived self-efficacy. Open-ended feedback and key takeaways from each module were analyzed qualitatively.

Results

A total of 45 clinicians enrolled, with 39 completing the intervention and study surveys. Completion and retention rates (86.6% and 100%, respectively) exceeded the preset feasibility benchmarks. Positive endorsement of self-report measures demonstrated acceptability (100%) and perceived usefulness (94.9%). Pre- and postintervention surveys signaled increases in clinician knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy. Key qualitative insights from participants were received pertaining to AYA concerns, needs, and preferences and clinician responsibilities.

Conclusion

This innovative approach to clinician education on SH demonstrates potential to improve clinician knowledge and engagement in SH conversations with AYAs, a key first step in improving AYA SH during and after cancer. Next steps must focus on a larger trial to assess intervention effectiveness.