Project Goals

The purpose of this research is to explore and delineate the variables relevant to clinician (Nurse Practitioner [NP] & Physician [MD]) and family decision-making about the type of sedation (moderate sedation [MS] vs general anesthesia [GA]) used for cancer treatment related procedures (e.g. lumbar puncture [LP], bone marrow aspirate [BMA]) in children with cancer. We propose over a two year period of time to address the following specific aims.

• Aim 1 (Year 1) Using a retrospective chart audit we will identify the patient/family, clinician, and disease related characteristics that influence decision making in determining if a child undergoing treatment for cancer receives MS or GA for diagnostic procedures. Aim 1b We will also compare and contrast the variables identified from chart review between the 2 different groups (MS & GA).

• Aim 2 (Year 2) We will explore clinician decision making related to sedation choice (MS vs GA) for children with cancer undergoing diagnostic procedure through qualitative, scripted interviews.

Aim 1 (Year 1) Using a retrospective chart audit we will identify the patient/family, clinician, and disease related characteristics that influence decision making in determining if a child undergoing treatment for cancer receives MS or GA for diagnostic procedures. Aim 1b We will also compare and contrast the variables identified from chart review between the 2 different groups (MS & GA).

Poster Presentation:
Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) Conference Poster, Orlando, FL, September 2009: