SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Pediatr.
Sec. Pediatric Hematology and Hematological Malignancies
Criteria for Unmet Need in Paediatric Populations and Their Families: A Literature-Based Case Study in Haematological Malignancies In Upper-Middle and High-Income Countries
Provisionally accepted
- 1KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- 2Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract Unmet health-related needs (UHNs) in paediatric populations are often under-researched due to methodological challenges. Yet, understanding these UHNs is essential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for children. Importantly, their families also bear a substantial burden throughout the disease trajectory. This study (i) identifies UHN criteria specific to children and families, (ii) compare them with criteria included in the KCE NEED framework, and (iii) maps the methodological tools used to assess these needs. A scoping review was conducted following JBI methodology and reported using PRISMA-ScR. Selection of sources of evidence was conducted double-blind. UHNs were thematically analysed across health, healthcare and social domains, focusing on children with haematologic malignancies as a representative population. Studies were solely included if conducted in upper-middle and high-income countries. The review (n=34) identified 17 UHN criteria experienced by children or their families. The criteria varied by child's age: in older groups UHNs related to treatment adherence, age-dependent information and involvement, and future perspectives, while across all ages, challenges with educational continuity, mental health, social interactions, forgone care and autonomy were mentioned. UHN for families relate to family and financial stability, mental health, social interactions, information needs, care organization, and privacy. Specific to siblings, parental attention was identified. A total of 14 tools were identified, comprising 8 tools to assess patients' UHNs, and 6 on their families' UHNs. The multifaceted nature of UHNs in children with haematologic malignancies and their families calls for a holistic, age-appropriate approach to care. These findings may be extrapolated to broader paediatric populations, highlighting the need for age-dependent communication, sustained educational support, and comprehensive family-centred care.
Keywords: Family needs, Hematological malignances, Pediatric Population, Scoping review, Unmet needs
Received: 15 Dec 2025; Accepted: 26 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Van Isterdael, Claessens and Huys. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Charlotte Van Isterdael
Isabelle Huys
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