Parents’ perception of pediatric cancer centers in Japan.
BACKGROUND
In Japan, more than 160 hospitals provide care for approximately 2500 pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer each year. Not all hospitals, however, are fully capable of providing state-of-the-art care due to a lack of experienced personnel or up-to-date facilities. The aim of this study was to solicit parents’ experiences during their children’s cancer treatment and opinions about the centralization of medical resources to core pediatric cancer centers.


METHODS
A structured questionnaire was sent to parents of children who had received cancer treatment.


RESULTS
Eighty-two questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Parents reported a need for improved psychological support for their children and family members as well as accommodation for families during cancer therapy. Most parents had positive opinions about the centralization of medical resources to core centers but were concerned about the accessibility of the centers and increasing burdens placed on families living in remote areas.


CONCLUSIONS
The demand for psychological care for families during children’s cancer treatment is highlighted. Improved accommodation and greater financial and social support for families living in remote areas should be preconditions for the future centralization of core pediatric cancer centers.
Sachi
S
Sakaguchi
Megumi
M
Oda
Yuichi
Y
Shinkoda
Atsushi
A
Manabe
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires