Exploring the use of a youth specific screening tool in hematological cancer care: perspectives from young adult patients and healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience substantial psychological distress and unmet supportive care needs. Routine screening with age-specific tools may improve the identification and addressing of concerns. The Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool (AYA-POST) is a validated instrument, yet little is known about how AYAs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience its use in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how the AYA-POST supports AYAs in identifying, prioritizing, and communicating the health concerns most important to them and to examine HCP perspectives on patient engagement, communication, and decision-making.

METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study combining semi-structured individual interviews with AYAs (18-39 years) in a treatment trajectory for acute leukemia or malignant lymphoma and focus group interviews with physicians and nurses. Patients completed the AYA-POST prior to two consultations; interviews followed the second visit. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Patients experienced that the AYA-POST facilitated self-reflection, preparation, and prioritization of concerns, enhancing communication with HCPs. The tool uncovered often-overlooked physical, psychological, and sensitive issues, including sexual health and emotional well-being, and promoted patient empowerment. HCPs reported that it expanded consultations beyond biomedical symptoms and encouraged patient-centered dialogue. Challenges included time constraints, variability in patient readiness, staff training needs, and practical issues with paper-based forms. Both groups highlighted the importance of flexible timing, multidisciplinary collaboration, and integration into routine workflows.

CONCLUSIONS: The AYA-POST can strengthen patient-centered communication and empowerment in hematological AYA care. Successful implementation requires integration into clinical workflows, staff training, flexible timing, and systematic follow-up.