Healthcare provider use of a community-based narrative resource to support psychosocial care in AYA oncology.

Abstract

e13570 Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience heightened psychosocial distress, including social isolation and loneliness, which are associated with reduced engagement in care and poorer health outcomes. Social connectedness and peer support are critical protective factors for this population; however, healthcare providers (HCPs) often report challenges in connecting AYAs with effective, age-appropriate resources for connection. Limited awareness of available tools and lack of confidence in referral practices contribute to these gaps. A national nonprofit serving AYA patients, survivors, and caregivers produces the only free, quarterly magazine featuring first-person narratives written by and for the AYA cancer community. The current study examined HCP use and dissemination of the magazine and HCP perceptions of how the magazine impacts their AYA patients. Methods: An anonymous, online survey was distributed to 212 healthcare providers who received quarterly magazines in bulk to assess dissemination practices, perceived value, and impact on clinical practice and AYA psychosocial support. A total of 47 HCPs completed the survey, representing diverse roles including social workers, nurses, program managers, patient navigators, and child life specialists. Descriptive analyses summarized provider characteristics, patterns of magazine use, and perceived benefits for AYAs. Results: Most respondents worked in hospital-based settings (80%), primarily at academic medical centers (52%), and reported engaged with AYAs daily (66%). The magazine was frequently shared with patients, with 78% reporting they often or always distributed it to patients. Providers rated the magazine as very helpful for AYAs (83%) and reported it addressed a critical gap in existing psychosocial resources (98%). The most valued content included first-person narratives (85%), resource listings (78%), and coping strategies (78%). Reported key functions included validating patient experiences (94%), connecting AYAs to additional resources (91%), and reducing isolation (89%). Most providers (91%) indicated that the magazine informed their clinical practice by strengthening understanding of the AYA perspective, enhancing rapport, initiating supportive conversations, and guiding psychosocial care strategies. Conclusions: This community-based narrative resource may function as a scalable psychosocial support tool that promotes social connectedness among AYAs while also strengthening provider capacity to deliver developmentally appropriate supportive care. Findings underscore the potential role of narrative-driven, community-informed resources in strengthening social connectedness, supporting provider practice, and addressing unmet psychosocial needs in AYA oncology care.