Navigating Parental Access to Teen Cancer Patients' Portals

In an important exploration of adolescent autonomy and parental involvement in healthcare, a recent study published in the *Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics* has brought to light the complex dynamics surrounding parental access to patient portals for teens undergoing cancer treatment. Conducted by researchers at three academic cancer centers, the study surveyed 48 adolescent-parent pairs to gauge their perspectives on the accessibility of medical information, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of cancer care.

The survey, released on July 25, 2025, reveals that a significant majority of parents—85%—have accessed their child's patient portal, and 88% of these parents reported reading clinical notes. This raises pressing questions about the balance between parental involvement and adolescent privacy. According to Dr. Molly Talman, a co-author of the study and a practicing oncologist, "While parental access can enhance communication and care coordination, it is crucial to address the nuances that accompany adolescent privacy."

The findings indicate that both parents and adolescents generally support access to non-sensitive data, with parents emphasizing the need for information to better understand their child's condition, manage care logistics, and uphold caregiving responsibilities. One parent commented, "If we’re relying on 12- and 13-year-olds to tell us everything, how can we help them if there’s something we’ve missed?" This sentiment underscores the importance of parental involvement, especially in the context of complex medical situations.

Conversely, challenges emerged, particularly concerning privacy. Adolescents expressed concerns that parental access could inhibit their willingness to confide in healthcare providers. A teen participant noted, "I think it may cause some older teenagers not to confide in their doctors if the parents can see it." This sentiment highlights the critical need for healthcare systems to strike a balance between parental rights and adolescent privacy.

Dr. Brandon Hayes-Lattin, Medical Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute, emphasized that a uniform access policy may not adequately address the diverse situations that affect adolescent patients. "Each case requires nuance to navigate," he stated, pointing to scenarios involving estranged relationships or minors without parental support.

In their editorial accompanying the study, Dr. Talman and Dr. Nicole Wood advocate for a rethinking of patient portal design, suggesting that systems should provide role-based access tailored to individual needs. They propose that adolescents should have a more significant say in what information is shared with parents while ensuring that essential medical data remains accessible to caregivers. "As we continue to digitize the cancer care journey, we must remain attentive to the ways in which technology intersects with vulnerability, responsibility, and identity," they wrote.

The study highlights a vital area of healthcare that necessitates ongoing dialogue and policy development. As healthcare providers work to facilitate better communication between teens and their parents, the design of patient portals will play a crucial role in either bridging or widening the gap in understanding between families and medical teams. The implications of this research extend beyond individual families, potentially influencing policy changes across healthcare systems to better accommodate the intricate needs of adolescent patients and their caregivers. Ensuring that access to medical information is both comprehensive and sensitive to the dynamics of family relationships will be essential as healthcare continues to evolve in the digital age.