LAUSR

92Background: Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) have poorer outcomes than younger or older cancer patients. AYA survivorship outcomes are complicated by psychosocial late effects and engagement in risky lifestyle behaviors that may increase secondary cancers and other chronic illnesses. Earlier identification and enhancement of protective factors that foster healthy lifestyle behaviors is an NIH/NCI priority. Early connectedness with healthcare providers (HCPs) may diminish risk-taking behaviors and foster healthcare self-management in AYA survivors.The purpose of this presentation is to describe the processes of developing a preliminary model of connectedness with HCPs for AYA. Methods: A preliminary model of connectedness was initially derived from a concept analysis that systematically critiqued 28 peer-reviewed sources. The preliminary model of connectedness was then validated and expanded by results of a phenomenological study of AYA cancer survivors (n = 9) regarding their experience of...