Advancing health equity in pediatric cancer through implementation of universal family psychosocial risk screening

Background Unaddressed psychosocial risks may contribute to disparities in cancer care outcomes and may be addressed by early psychosocial risk screening. In a study implementing universal family psychosocial risk screening in 18 children's cancer programs in the United States, parents, clinicians, and organizational leaders described the importance of universal screening to health equity. Purposes The purposes of this study were to (1) describe the perspectives of parents, clinicians, and organizational leaders regarding the importance of universal family psychosocial risk screening in childhood cancer care and (2) identify barriers and facilitators to improving health equity and decreasing health disparities in childhood cancer through universal family psychosocial screening. Methods Nineteen participants (parent advocates, clinicians, leaders in professional organizations and healthcare policy) were interviewed. Directed content analysis was used to identify thematic descriptions. Results Theme 1: Personal (individual child and family) and systemic barriers to health care contribute to health disparities and can be identified by universal family psychosocial risk screening in pediatric cancer. Theme 2: Universal family psychosocial risk screening in pediatric cancer creates the opportunity for health equity through personalized psychosocial care. Theme 3: Recognition of health inequities and guidance from the Standards of Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and their Families suggest that clinicians and healthcare systems are ethically obligated to screen, provide resources, and advocate for services to meet identified needs. Conclusions Universal family psychosocial risk screening in pediatric oncology creates the opportunity to support efforts for health equity by guiding delivery of personalized psychosocial care. Trial registration NCT04446728 23 June 2020.

Automated summary

This study highlights the importance of universal family psychosocial risk screening in childhood cancer care and identifies barriers and facilitators in achieving health equity and reducing disparities. The findings emphasize the opportunity to support health equity through personalized psychosocial care provided by universal screening.