Designing and maturing the OKRA-Compass for breaking bad news in the German pediatric oncology setting: A participatory action research study

Publikation: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift › Forschungsartikel › Beigetragen › Begutachtung

Beitragende

  • Kerstin Dittmer - , Universität zu Köln (Autor:in)
  • Frank Vitinius - , Universität zu Köln, Robert Bosch Krankenhaus Stuttgart (Autor:in)
  • Isabel Hamm - , Universität zu Köln (Autor:in)
  • Tobias Däbritz - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (Autor:in)
  • Stefanie Hänse - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (Autor:in)
  • Marc Hoemberg - , Universität zu Köln (Autor:in)
  • Anne Lorenz - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Autor:in)
  • Rainer Misgeld - , Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein gGmbH (Autor:in)
  • Norbert W. Paul - , Universitätsmedizin Mainz (Autor:in)
  • Walther Stamm - , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) (Autor:in)
  • Theresia Krieger - , Universität zu Köln (Autor:in)

Abstract

Objective: Breaking Bad News (BBN) is challenging in pediatric oncology. It requires tailored, sensitive communication to families and children at critical moments. However, pediatric oncology lacks context-specific BBN support tools. The OKRA project aims to address this gap by developing and refining a support tool with a participatory approach. Methods: The OKRA-Compass was developed using a participatory action research (PAR) approach with mixed methods. It involved iterative refinement across five pediatric oncology clinics. Improvements were based on feedback from focus groups, surveys, and written suggestions. The interdisciplinary research team collaborated with healthcare professionals (HCPs) as coresearchers to ensure practical applicability, acceptance, and user-centered design. Results: The OKRA-Compass provides a structured but flexible framework for BBN in pediatric oncology, comprising a comprehensive guidebook, pocket guide, and checklists. Its application improved team preparation, communication style, and role clarity during emotionally demanding encounters. Conclusion: The structured framework of the OKRA-Compass aligns theoretical foundations with clinical practice. Its participatory development process fostered collaboration and ownership among HCPs, making it a valuable resource for improving communication in pediatric oncology. Practice implications: Integrating the OKRA-Compass into training programs and clinical routines may promote empathic, patient-centered care. We recommend interprofessional training to further support its application and dissemination.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer108694
FachzeitschriftPatient Education and Counseling
Jahrgang134
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Mai 2025
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 39923357

Schlagworte

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

  • Allgemeine Medizin - Breaking bad news, Healthcare professionals, Patient centered care, Patient-provider communication, Pediatric oncology, Shared decision-making, User-centered design

Schlagwörter

  • Breaking bad news, Healthcare professionals, Patient centered care, Patient-provider communication, Pediatric oncology, Shared decision-making, User-centered design