Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41653351›Full record

ArticleSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2026

In the end, it is the word that remains: communicating bad news in pediatric oncology.

Theresia Krieger, Remo Kamm-Thonwart, Tobias Daebritz, Kerstin Dittmer

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Theresia KriegerMedical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
Remo Kamm-ThonwartSonnenstrahl e.V. Dresden - Support Organization for Children and Adolescents with Cancer, Dresden, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4606-9201
Tobias DaebritzDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Kerstin DittmerMedical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany. kerstin.dittmer@gmx.de.

Funding

Deutsche Leukämie Forschungshilfe e.V. DFLH 2023-01
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeBreaking bad news (BBN) in pediatric oncology is emotionally complex and often poorly supported by training or guidelines. The OKRA-Compass, developed through participatory research, provides practical recommendations aiming to enhance BBN quality in German pediatric oncology settings. This paper aims to track insights into the everyday BBN routine.

methodsAfter 6 weeks implementing the OKRA-Compass in five pediatric oncology clinics, a focus group and written feedback captured user experiences. Using thematic analysis, researchers coded and analyzed data to assess perceived changes. The participatory approach included co-researchers, and findings were linked to the Compass's Delphi-based theses for deeper insight.

resultsApplying the OKRA-Compass revealed four key outcomes: (1) Considering BBN as a complex process, (2) addressing the multi-layered needs of BBN receivers, (3) encouraging new paths for shared decision-making, and (4) cultivating awareness of the needs of healthcare professionals. Interdisciplinary use enhanced preparation, communication, and emotional safety while highlighting the need for structured training and institutional anchoring of BBN practices.

conclusionThe OKRA-Compass supports high-quality, individualized BBN by structuring communication, fostering emotional attunement, and promoting shared decision-making. It enhances interdisciplinary collaboration and self-reflection among healthcare providers. Findings highlight its practical relevance, though broader evaluation is needed. The tool offers a promising framework for improving communication culture in pediatric oncology. This process demands a readiness to adapt, allocate resources, and invest in enhancing team communication skills.

Indexed as

CommunicationMedical OncologyNeoplasmsTruth DisclosureChildDecision Making, SharedDelphi TechniqueFocus GroupsGermanyHumansPediatricsPhysician-Patient RelationsBreaking bad newsCommunicationEducationHealth system developmentPediatric oncologyShared decision-making

Identifiers

PMID41653351
PMCPMC12882952

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.