{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Developmental surveillance and screening practices in a pediatric oncology clinic: Initial progress of a quality improvement study.
{Author}: Pereira LM;Bono MH;Hilbert S;
{Journal}: Psychooncology
{Volume}: 33
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 May
{Factor}: 3.955
{DOI}: 10.1002/pon.6348
{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.
OBJECTIVE: Clarify the current developmental surveillance and screening practices of one pediatric oncology team.
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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: The case is made for further routinization of ongoing developmental screening in pediatric oncology care.