Our Research
Driven by its mission to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer, CanTeen has a clear focus on meeting the needs of these young people through its programs, services, resources and, in the last few years, advocacy work, research and evaluation.
CanTeen and research by external organisations
Research
Completed Research: Following are summaries (‘Research Snapshots’) of research conducted at CanTeen. Click on the following links: Offspring Research Snapshot (PDF, 3MB); Sibling Research Snapshot (PDF, 3MB); Bereaved Research Snapshot (PDF, 3MB); and Patients Research Snapshot (PDF, 3MB) and Satisfaction Snapshot (PDF, 2MB). For summaries of our other projects, please see our completed research. Also, our article “Emerging Adulthood and Cancer: How unmet needs vary with time-since-treatment” has been published in the Journal of Palliative and Supportive Care 2010.
Current research: Click for more information on our current research.
Conference presentations: Click for more information on our recent conference presentations.
Research Funding Opportunity: CanTeen is pleased to advise that is has partnered with beyondblue, in the 2010 round of Cancer Australia’s Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. Through this grants scheme we will support cancer research project grants in an identified research priority area. The research priority areas of CanTeen and other funding partners, and further information about the grants scheme can be found on the Cancer Australia website – www.canceraustralia.gov.au.
Utilising the results of our needs research, CanTeen has developed a Statement of Outcomes it seeks to facilitate for young people living with cancer. The Statement of Outcomes will inform future strategic program and service planning, advocacy, research and evaluation.
Research to Practice Papers
CanTeen has initiated a series of Research to Practice Papers which translate the most recent evidence into best practice recommendations for those working with young people with cancer.
The Papers, developed by CanTeen in conjunction with expert advisory groups, will be relevant to those working in clinical, service delivery, educational, advocacy and social policy settings.
The latest Research to Practice Paper, ‘Supporting adolescent and young adult siblings of cancer patients in the education system’ highlights the needs of siblings and provides recommendations of supportive strategies that can be implemented by those working in the education sector.
Andrea Connell, Principal Sydney Girls High School commented on the release of the new paper:
“Schools are grateful to receive advice and guidance about how to best support young people living with cancer, and equally, how to support siblings whose lives are affected in many ways. Experience has shown us that many teachers, classmates and friends are confused about the best means of providing support. CanTeen’s Research to Practice paper opens the door on a "closed conversation" and shows how schools can play an important role in assisting the well being and outcomes of young people who have a sibling with cancer.”
To download the relevant documents to the new paper, click on the links below:
The first Research to Practice Paper, 'Supporting adolescent and young adult siblings of cancer patients: the family context' encourages health professionals to examine how they engage with siblings and to implement the practice recommendations provided.
Dr Antoinette Anazado, Director of AYA Services for the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health Service, acknowledges that:
"Although it can be challenging for clinicians, nursing and allied health professionals to focus on other family members when an AYA patient has cancer, it is important that we don't forget about the practical, educational and psychosocial needs of other family members. This first research to practice paper provides useful information about the needs of AYA siblings as well as giving examples of practical support. As AYA cancer services are extended across Australia as part of the Youth Cancer Networks Program, it is essential that the needs of AYA siblings are acknowledged and addressed."
To download the relevant documents to the new paper, click on the links below:
Reference list
Resources list
Advisory Group list
Launch Letter
For further information about the Research to Practice Initiative contact Dr Pandora Patterson on (02) 9007 0190 or email research@canteen.org.au
Evaluation
In December 2008, CanTeen completed a scoping study to illuminate the current trends and themes in the field of program monitoring and evaluation. This scoping study included a review of relevant literature as well as consultation with a sample of Australian non-profit, non-government organisations offering services of a psychosocial nature to children, adolescents and young adults, to uncover examples of evaluation best practice and practical wisdom.
The results of this scoping study are being used to inform the development of an organisational Evaluation Framework and Toolkit to assist in determining whether CanTeen’s programs, services and resources are achieving their intended outcomes and to facilitate a process of learning, reflection and review. Please click for a copy of the full report (PDF – 879KB).
CanTeen and Research by External Organisations
Research proposals from external organisations who share our aim of improving the health and wellbeing of all young people living with cancer are welcome. CanTeen acknowledges its responsibility to ensure that any research carried out within the organisation or with our Membership does not infringe upon the rights of young people or jeopardise their well being in any way.
CanTeen provides guidelines to assist those wishing to conduct research within our organisation, to develop and implement responsible, ethical and effective research protocols. We also endorse the principles of participatory research with children and young people as stated by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People (2005). These principles promote the involvement of young people as purposeful agents in the research process and not mere functionaries.