Determining Domains of Practice for Youth Support Co-Coordinator Work in Teenage/Young Adult Cancer Care in United Kingdom.

Abstract

Purpose: Youth support coordinators (YSCs) provide youth-focused psychosocial support to teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer, within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in National Health Service (NHS) specialist cancer environments. This action research project aimed to provide insight into the work of YSCs with TYA with cancer, within MDTs in clinical settings, and to develop a knowledge and skill framework for YSCs. Methods: An action research approach was taken involving two focus groups, with Health Care Professionals (n = 7) and TYA with cancer (n = 7), and a questionnaire with YSCs (n = 23). Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A research steering group ensured consistency with the participatory methodology. Results: The positive value of YSC contribution to patients and MDT was echoed across the data sets. Four domains of practice were identified for inclusion in a YSC knowledge and skill framework: (1) adolescent development; (2) the TYA with cancer; (3) working with TYA with cancer; and (4) professional practice of YSC work. Conclusion: Findings highlight the interdependence of YSC domains of practice. For example, the impact of cancer and its treatment must be considered alongside biopsychosocial knowledge relating to adolescent development. Similarly, skills for running youth-focused activities need adapting to the professional cultures, rules, and practices of working in health care systems. Further questions and challenges are raised, such as the value and challenge of therapeutic conversations; practice supervision; and the complexities of the "insider/outsider" perspectives YSCs bring. These insights potentially have important transferability to other areas of adolescent health care.