The Development and Feasibility Testing of the Nurse-Led Transitioning Adolescents Off Cancer Treatment (TACT) Intervention

Abstract

Aim

To develop and assess the feasibility of a nurse-led intervention aimed at improving the transition from cancer treatment to survivorship for adolescents by providing personalised information and psychosocial and self-management support.

Design

Intervention development through co-creation with adolescent patients with cancer, their parents and health care professionals, based on the MRC framework and qualitative feasibility testing.

Methods

The intervention development involved three steps: (a) identifying the problem through interviews with key stakeholders and by reviewing existing evidence on transition tools and practices; (b) designing the intervention through co-creation workshops with stakeholders and (c) assessing feasibility, acceptability and participants' experiences of the intervention through interviews with adolescents, parents, healthcare professionals and teachers.

Results

The Transitioning Adolescents with Cancer off Treatment (TACT) intervention was developed, and feasibility was tested between October 2021 and October 2022. TACT included two nurse-led consultations addressing transition concerns and a videoconference with local support networks to inform and activate stakeholders. Communication tools were developed and successfully used to address adolescents' needs, tailor information and support self-management.

Conclusion

The nurse-led TACT intervention appears feasible and acceptable for clinical practice, with no major changes needed. Participants reported that the intervention helped prepare adolescent cancer patients to transition to survivorship by providing tailored information and psychosocial and self-management support.

Impact

Despite high survival rates of childhood cancers and the growing awareness of the challenges adolescents and their families face when transitioning off treatment to survivorship, few interventions are available. The novel TACT intervention indicates that nurses are well-positioned to provide broad, tailored care addressing survivors' multi-faceted needs and challenges associated with this transition.

Report Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

Adolescent survivors, their parents, nurses and physicians involved in their care contributed through co-creation groups, contributing feedback that shaped and refined the TACT intervention.