Survey of families' psychosocial needs in the context of pediatric cancer: a first step toward the participatory development of a group intervention.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric cancer is associated with stressors that increase the risk for distress across family members. Psychosocial support varies and may not meet family needs and preferences. This study investigated family members' points of view regarding psychosocial service needs, as a first step of a large participative research project aiming to develop interventions grounded in key stakeholders' perspectives.

METHODS

This study documented the perceptions of 370 parents, 11 siblings, and 60 individuals who themselves had received a cancer diagnosis as a child and employed a mixed-methods design through an online survey.

RESULTS

Respondents indicated their key concerns were coping with intense emotions, accepting their feelings toward the diagnosis, and managing the psychological burden that accompanies cancer, its treatment, and associated life changes.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that an intervention program should address emotion management as well as interventions focusing on the entire family system.