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Richard P. Durant, PsyD, is a 2011 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England.

Dissertation Committee

  • Victor Pantesco, EdD (Committee Chair)
  • James Fauth, PhD (Committee Member)
  • Gerard Florio, PhD (Committee Member)

Keywords

concept map, cancer, family, needs

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the support needs of young families living with and beyond a parental diagnosis of cancer. The sample includes 56 participants comprised of 31 professional stakeholders and 25 patient stakeholders affiliated with the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center. It was hypothesized there would be differences in how the groups of stakeholders rated needs in terms of importance, satisfaction, and utilization. Differences in ratings are thought to be barriers to effective program development. While not a formal research hypothesis, it was anticipated other program development barriers germane to naturalistic clinical settings would emerge from the organizational, community, practitioner, and researcher domains. By utilizing an internet-based method of needs assessment known as Concept Mapping, the researcher facilitated discovering 125 emergent patient and family needs. An eight-cluster model of identified issues and needs was constructed. The cluster names assigned include Emotional Impact on Parents, Parents' Worries About Children, Family Adaptation to Illness, Navigation, Case Management, Emotional Impact on Children, Kids' Support Needs, and Families' Support Needs. Results indicate differences in how the patient and professional stakeholders rate the statements on all levels, indicating potential barriers to effective program development. The cluster rated lowest on satisfaction and highest on level of importance and utilization is Case Management, indicating a need for initial and on-going psychosocial needs assessment throughout the experience of a parental diagnosis of cancer. Limitations for this study are discussed in addition to recommendations for oncology support program development at the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center.

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