Publication
Core Functions of Pediatric Cancer Communication in Clinical Notes by Pediatric Palliative Care Providers
Carney K, Newman A, Agbotode A, Linder L · Journal of Pain and Symptom Management · 2026
Background The core functions of pediatric cancer communication are eight empirically based tasks that support effective communication between patients, families, and clinicians (1,2). Examining the presence of these core functions in pediatric palliative care clinical documentation can help to identify targets that promote more effective family-centered communication. Objectives/Purpose To explore evidence of the eight core functions of pediatric cancer communication in unstructured clinical notes by specialty pediatric palliative care clinicians among children and adolescents with cancer. Methods/Approach We conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of 662 symptom-focused unstructured palliative care consultation and progress notes for 51 children (269 clinical notes) and 64 adolescents (393 clinical notes) with cancer receiving treatment at a children’s hospital in the Intermountain West. Guided by the Core Functions of Communication in Pediatric Oncology (3), we used deductive qualitative content analysis to identify the presence of each core function among the unstructured clinical notes. Results Preliminary results demonstrate evidence for the presence of all eight core functions of communication. Among the clinical notes for children, supporting hope and making decisions were the most frequently identified communication functions (n = 138 clinical notes, 51.3%), followed by exchanging information (n = 60, 22.3%). Supporting hope (n = 227, 57.8%) was also the most frequently identified core function among adolescents, followed by making decisions (n = 184, 46.8%) and exchanging information (n=124, 31.5%). The remaining five functions were documented in less than 12% of the clinical notes for children and adolescents. Conclusion/Implications This study provides insight on how the core functions of communication in pediatric oncology are documented during routine specialty pediatric palliative care for children and adolescents with cancer. Improved recognition of the core functions across collaborating teams could enhance quality communication in pediatric cancer care.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.