Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCS) should be empowered to\ncontinue their survivor-focused care as they transition into adult medicine. However, the majority of AYA-aged\nsurvivors become lost to follow up around the age of typical transition to adulthood. The purpose of this study was\nto identify, from the patientâ??s perspective, key factors that facilitate successful transitions to adult-centered\nsurvivorship care.\nMethods: A qualitative study was conducted with AYA CCS (n = 29) from the survivorship clinic of a single\ninstitution as key informants. Data were collected through a series of structured phone interviews and subjected to\nthematic content analysis.\nResults: Four major themes with multiple subthemes were identified: (1) transition practices need to be flexible\nand individually tailored; (2) effective communication is critical to a successful transition; (3) continuity in providers\nis needed during the transition; and (4) comprehensive care means care that also addresses psycho-social wellbeing.\nConclusions: From the perspective of AYA CCS, the ideal model of transitional survivorship care could include a\npatient navigator who promotes provider flexibility, consistent communication, and pro-active comprehensive care\nthat encompasses both medical and psycho-social well-being. Models of care for CCS should be built to provide, or\nseamlessly facilitate, continuous survivor-focused care across the age continuum. A longitudinal relationship with a\nsurvivor-focused provider can help promote the values that CCSâ?? report as important in transitioning care from\npediatric- to adult-centered care.
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