title: Parent perspectives on family-based psychosocial interventions in pediatric cancer: a mixed-methods approach.
abstract: Family-based interventions in pediatric cancer face challenges associated with integrating psychosocial care into a period of intensive treatment and escalating stress. Little research has sought input from parents on the role of interventions delivered shortly after diagnosis. This mixed-methods study obtained parents' perspectives on the potential role of family-based interventions. Twenty-five parents provided feedback on the structure and timing of psychosocial interventions via focus groups and a questionnaire. Qualitative analyses resulted in three themes that were illustrative of a traumatic stress framework: (1) tension between focusing on child with cancer and addressing other family needs, (2) factors influencing parents' perception of a shared experience with other parents, and (3) the importance of matching interventions to the trajectory of parent adjustment. Quantitative data indicated that parents preferred intervention within 6 months of diagnosis, with almost half favoring within 2 months of diagnosis, and the majority wanted interventions targeted to parents only. Qualitative themes highlight the importance of using a traumatic stress framework to inform the development of family-based interventions for those affected by pediatric cancer.
authors: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors: Matthew C
authors: MC
authors: Hocking
authors: Anne E
authors: AE
authors: Kazak
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Schneider
authors: Darlene
authors: D
authors: Barkman
authors: Lamia P
authors: LP
authors: Barakat
authors: Janet A
authors: JA
authors: Deatrick
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010372:Pediatrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires