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Integrating SSPedi into Routine Pediatric Oncology Care: Insights from Dr. Adam Yan
In June, Dr. Adam Yan of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) shared the successful clinical integration of SSPedi (Symptom Screening in Pediatrics) into pediatric oncology practice. SSPedi is a validated, self-reported symptom screening tool designed for children aged 8 -18 years undergoing cancer treatment. It captures bother due to 15 common treatment-related symptoms – including fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety, and mouth sores – enabling clinicians to quickly identify symptoms of concern and tailor interventions accordingly.
At SickKids, routine symptom screening using SSPedi has been implemented for select newly diagnosed patients receiving the majority of their treatment in the outpatient setting. Dr. Yan described how patients complete the screening electronically, with results instantly available within the hospital’s Epic electronic health record. SSPedi scores can be reviewed in real time by patients, families, and the care team, facilitating timely, individualized care.
Case examples highlighted in the presentation illustrated how elevated symptom scores prompted targeted responses, including the initiation of antiemetics, nutritional interventions, and psychological support. These real-time actions have led to tangible improvements in patient experience and symptom control.
Dr. Yan also addressed the practical challenges of implementation, including time constraints, staff training needs, and system integration. He outlined effective strategies to overcome these barriers, such as providing focused education for clinical staff, developing streamlined tablet-based workflows, and embedding SSPedi results directly into clinical documentation and order sets.
In closing, Dr. Yan emphasized the transformative potential of SSPedi to shift symptom assessment from an ad hoc practice to a structured, data-informed process embedded in routine care. He encouraged other institutions to adopt SSPedi and integrate systematic symptom screening into pediatric oncology standards of care.
Watch the webinar at this link – YouTube Recording
If you are interested in participating in iPOG Network sub-Committee activities or have comments and suggestions, please contact us at ipog.network@gmail.com.
Membership sub-Committee (Chair: Dr. Yin Ting Cheung, MASCC): The Membership sub-committee of the iPOG Network aims to expand our network of pediatric oncology organizations who develop, endorse or implement supportive care guidance. We also are developing strategies to recruit individual members from various backgrounds and geographical regions to participate in Network activities. Our primary aspiration is to foster a diverse and inclusive community that shares knowledge, resources, and evidence-based practices in supportive care.iPOG Mentorship and Guideline Resources sub-Committee (co-Chairs: Dr. Jason Freedman, MASCC, Dr. Paula Robinson, POGO):
This new sub-committee merges the former mentorship and CPG resources sub-committees. This sub-committee will focus on providing educational materials and mentorship to support CPG development and use. The sub-committee will focus first on:
- rejuvenating the iPOG resources webpage: organize under new headings aimed at intended audience (e.g. guidance developers, users); make it easier to find shorter, more direct resources like tip sheets
- gauging community interest in iPOG mentorship on CPG adaptation for local use
Check out the IPOG Networks’ Supportive Care Guidance library here!
Keep an eye out for new supportive care guidance:
iPOG Network members are working on guidance on:
- Prevention of PJP
- Menses Suppression
- Chemotherapy Emetogenicity (update)
