Developing, Nurturing, and Sustaining an Adolescent and Young Adult-Centered Culture of Care

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults have unique needs which differ from those of children or adults. In the United Kingdom, we have dedicated services, which are diverse in how they are managed and delivered. A multiple-case study was conducted in young people’s cancer services in four geographical regions of England. Data collection included: semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 41) and young people (n = 29); and observation (total = 120 hours). Thematic analysis was used to synthesize and interpret five emerging themes describing the way a culture of adolescent and young adult-specific care developed. To develop a cultural attitude which embraced and promoted core values, leadership was needed, as well as high patient volume accessing a service. Time was essential, an adolescent and young adult-centered culture of care does not happen overnight, it needs time and dedicated staff to evolve, but once in place, services have a significant impact on the experience of care.