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Although many families want prognostic information, clinicians in pediatric specialties infrequently ask how or when they prefer to receive it. In this qualitative study, researchers conducted interviews with 25 adolescent patients (age, ≥12) with cancer, 40 parents, and 20 oncologists across 6 institutions. All patients had poor prognoses, had disease relapse or progression, or were enrolled in a phase 1 or 2 study.
Nearly all patients and parents wanted prognostic information, and most believed that oncologists should ask about communication preferences before disclosing prognosis. Patients, parents, and oncologists advocated for three approaches to guide conversations:
Ask questions: Invite input on what and how much the patient or parent …