Difficult Conversations with the AYA Patient Population

Presenter: Paighton King MSN, CPNP-PC

This presentation explores the unique clinical, developmental, and psychosocial challenges associated with caring for adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients. Participants will examine how a cancer diagnosis during this critical stage of life disrupts key developmental milestones, including identity formation, autonomy, and relationship building. The session emphasizes the importance of effective communication strategies tailored to the AYA population, including recognizing individual communication preferences, fostering trust, and addressing barriers such as family dynamics, health literacy, and medical trauma. Special attention is given to navigating difficult conversations related to prognosis, treatment decisions, and end-of-life care.

A significant portion of the presentation focuses on pain management in the AYA population, highlighting the high symptom burden and risks associated with under treated pain. Participants will review pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management strategies, common misconceptions surrounding opioid use, and the impact of implicit bias on clinical decision-making.

Through practical examples and evidence-based approaches, this session provides nurses with tools to improve patient engagement, enhance symptom management, and support patient-centered care across the cancer treatment continuum.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the developmental and psychosocial characteristics of the AYA oncology population
• Identify common barriers to effective communication and strategies to improve patient engagement
• Apply techniques for navigating difficult clinical conversations, including discussions of autonomy and end-of-life care – Recognize signs of undertreated pain and associated clinical consequences
• Implement evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management strategies
• Evaluate the role of implicit bias in pain assessment and management

Target Audience:  Registered nurses, oncology nurses, pediatric and adolescent care providers, and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with hematologic and oncologic conditions.