Neither Pediatric nor Adult—Unique Care Considerations in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Patient Population (FR437)

Abstract

•Discuss defining characteristics of the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population•Outline unique palliative care considerations for the AYA population•Delineate proposed palliative care models for AYA patients Caring for adolescents and young adults (AYA)—patients aged 16-25—who are nearing end-of-life offers unique challenges for both the patients and providers. The young adult population has recently moved out of the pediatric care model but may not yet be a good fit for the adult care model. Existing literature highlights hypotheses that the AYA population is a unique group with special care needs, as these patients are not only entering early phases of independence as adults with ongoing exploration of identity and social and intimate relationships, but they are doing these things in the setting of a potentially life-limiting illness. Therefore, a dichotomy exists between this setting of growth and ongoing concerns for loss of self and control. It is important to gain the trust of the AYA patient through the use of appropriate language, encouraging the patient to maintain some control, while offering the AYA time to address “the tough stuff.” This population creates unique challenges for palliative care providers. As the field of palliative care is rapidly growing, many providers are early in their careers and potentially closer to similar developmental stages as these patients, at times making care emotionally taxing for the provider. This presentation will define the AYA population and outline both unique palliative care considerations and proposed care models for this patient population utilizing exemplary real-life cases. Distinctive provider challenges relating to care for this patient population will also be discussed.