NYMC Faculty Publications
Developmental Surveillance and Screening Practices in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic: Initial Progress of a Quality Improvement Study
Author Type(s)
Faculty, Resident/Fellow
DOI
10.1002/pon.6348
Journal Title
Psycho-Oncology
First Page
e6348
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Department
Pediatrics
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pediatric cancer patients' oncology teams regularly take on a primary care role, but due to the urgent nature of cancer treatment, developmental screenings may be deprioritized. This leaves patients at risk of developmental diagnoses and referrals being delayed. AIMS: Clarify the current developmental surveillance and screening practices of one pediatric oncology team. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Researchers reviewed charts for patients (n = 66) seen at a pediatric oncology clinic in a suburban academic medical center to determine engagement in developmental screening (including functioning around related areas such as speech, neurocognition, etc.) and referrals for care in these areas. RESULTS: Developmental histories were collected from all patients through admission history and physical examination (H&P), but there was no routinized follow-up. Physicians did not conduct regular developmental screening per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for any patients but identified n = 3 patients with needs while the psychology team routinely surveilled all patients seen during this time (n = 41) and identified n = 18 patients as having delays. DISCUSSION: Physicians did not routinely screen for development needs beyond H&P and were inconsistent in developmental follow-up/referrals. Integrated psychologists were key in generating referrals for developmental-based care. However, many oncology patients were not seen by psychologists quickly or at all, creating a significant gap in care during a crucial developmental period. CONCLUSION: The case is made for further routinization of ongoing developmental screening in pediatric oncology care.
Recommended Citation
Pereira, L. M., Bono, M. H., & Hilbert, S. (2024). Developmental Surveillance and Screening Practices in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic: Initial Progress of a Quality Improvement Study. Psycho-Oncology, 33 (5), e6348. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.6348
