Familial diagnostic experiences in paediatric oncology
Menée auprès de 19 survivants d'un cancer de l'enfance, de 78 parents et de 15 témoins, cette étude britannique analyse les effets psychologiques de la perception d'un retard dans le diagnostic
Background: Diagnostic delays may not have significant prognostic implications in paediatric oncology, but psychological impacts remain understudied. Methods: Interviews exploring diagnostic experiences were conducted with childhood cancer survivors (n=19), parents (n=78) and siblings (n=15). Results: Median diagnostic time was 3 weeks. Participants described a mixture of rapid diagnoses (28.9%), plus delayed appraisal intervals (that is, parent- or patient-associated diagnostic delays; 40.0%) and diagnostic intervals (that is, healthcare-associated delays; 46.7%). Families experiencing delays described guilt and anger and deleterious impacts on the family–clinician relationship. Some believed delays impacted on treatment and prognosis. Conclusions: The effect of the diagnostic experience can be considerable.