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Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: Behavioral science
Author(s) -
Noll Robert B.,
Patel Sunita K.,
Embry Leanne,
Hardy Kristina K.,
Pelletier Wendy,
Annett Robert D.,
Patenaude Andrea,
Lown E. Anne,
Sands Stephen A.,
Barakat Lamia P.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.24421
Subject(s) - psychosocial , neurocognitive , medicine , blueprint , pediatric cancer , clinical trial , pediatric oncology , family medicine , psychiatry , cognition , cancer , engineering , mechanical engineering
Behavioral science has long played a central role in pediatric oncology clinical service and research. Early work focused on symptom relief related to side effects of chemotherapy and pain management related to invasive medical procedures. As survival rates improved, the focused has shifted to examination of the psychosocial impact, during and after treatment, of pediatric cancer and its treatment on children and their families. The success of the clinical trials networks related to survivorship highlights an even more critical role in numerous domains of psychosocial research and care. Within the cooperative group setting, the field of behavioral science includes psychologists, social workers, physicians, nurses, and parent advisors. The research agenda of this group of experts needs to focus on utilization of psychometrically robust measures to evaluate the impact of treatment on children with cancer and their families during and after treatment ends. Over the next 5 years, the field of behavioral science will need to develop and implement initiatives to expand use of standardized neurocognitive and behavior batteries; increase assessment of neurocognition using technology; early identification of at‐risk children/families; establish standards for evidence‐based psychosocial care; and leverage linkages with the broader behavioral health pediatric oncology community to translate empirically supported research clinical trials care to practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1048–1054. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.