PhD Student Cho and Docherty Submit Rockefeller/Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Application

Kudos to Eunji Cho, PhD student; and her sponsor Sharron Docherty, associate professor; for the submission of her Rockefeller/Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar application entitled “Pediatric Oncology Nurse-Adolescent Dyadic Storytelling Intervention: A Pilot Study." This proposal requests funding for a one-year period with a start date of April 1, 2019. 

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are an underserved population with unique health care needs. A new goal is needed to formulate a well-structured care strategy for AYAs with cancer that promotes a successful transition to survivorship and reintegration into society. The concept of human flourishing, which involves living a full life with positive emotions and optimal functioning in the midst of positive personal growth, can provide a holistic and in-depth goal for survivorship in AYAs across their cancer trajectory. An innovative intervention applying this concept will provide a significant change in care for AYAs with cancer.

The purpose of this study is to develop and pilot-test a pediatric oncology nurse-AYA with cancer dyadic storytelling intervention to promote flourishing in AYAs with cancer and job satisfaction in nurses. This study will consist of two phases, (1) the intervention development phase, and (2) the feasibility and acceptability test phase. After the development of a provisional PONADS model based on the literature review, a single focus group interview with 10 pediatric oncology health care providers and an individual interview with 5 AYA cancer survivors will be conducted. For Phase II study, a case study design with three dyads of a pediatric oncology nurse and an AYA with cancer at each different treatment phase will be applied to the modified PONADS intervention. This study will become a first step in translating the knowledge of flourishing in AYAs with cancer into nursing practice by developing a nurse-led intervention for this population.