title: FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS): development and feasibility of a psychosocial intervention for families of childhood cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We developed and tested the feasibility of a manualized psychosocial intervention, FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS), a home-based psychosocial intervention for families of childhood cancer survivors. The aim of the intervention is to support families in adopting healthy strategies to cope with the psychological consequences of childhood cancer. The intervention is now being evaluated in a nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  FAMOS is based on principles of family systems therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and is delivered in six sessions at home. Families were recruited from all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark after the end of intensive cancer treatment. We evaluated the feasibility of the intervention and of a RCT design for comparing the intervention with usual care. The evaluation was conducted among families enrolled in the study by tracking procedures and parents' evaluations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 68 families (68 mothers, 60 fathers, 68 children with cancer and 73 siblings) were enrolled, with a participation rate of 62% of families. Fathers were highly represented (88% of families); also families with single parents (12%) and parents with basic education (7-12 years of primary, secondary, and grammar school education) were represented (12%). The dropout rate was 12% of families (all in the control group), and two families did not complete the intervention because of relapse. Evaluation by parents in the intervention group showed overall satisfaction with the format, timing, and content of the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that the FAMOS intervention is feasible in terms of recruitment, retention, and acceptability. The effects of the intervention on post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, family functioning, and quality of life will be reported after the nationwide RCT has been completed.
authors.affiliation: a Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: Hanin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.affiliation: b Department of Oncology , Finsen Centre, Rigshospitalet, The Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: Christoffer
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.affiliation: c University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: Kjeld
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schmiegelow
authors.affiliation: a Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: Jeanette Falck
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Winther
authors.affiliation: d Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology , H.C. Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital , Denmark.
authors.forename: Peder Skov
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Wehner
authors.affiliation: e Department of Pediatrics , Aarhus University Hospital Skejby , Aarhus , Denmark.
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hasle
authors.affiliation: f Department of Pediatrics , Aalborg Hospital , Aalborg , Denmark.
authors.forename: Steen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosthøj
authors.affiliation: g Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System , Wilmington , DE , USA.
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Kazak
authors.affiliation: a Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: Pernille
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: E Bidstrup
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005190:Family; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*