Web-based counseling for families with parental cancer: Baseline findings and lessons learned

Abstract

Purpose: This is the first study in Switzerland to report on psychological adjustment in children of a parent with cancer using a web-based intervention during cancer therapy.

Design/Sample: Twenty-two families participated in this randomized controlled web-based intervention program.

Methods: Quality of life and emotional–behavioral well-being of children were examined using child self-reports, and parent proxy-reports. Furthermore, family communication and satisfaction and feedback on the web-based program were assessed.

Findings: Children’s first stage adjustment to parental cancer did not show detrimental patterns. The “lesson learned” in this setting emphasizes the challenge to reach families in need. The web-based program was appreciated as an additional source of information and support in this mostly highly functioning population.

Conclusion: While feasibility was shown, it remains unclear how to contact families with lower psychosocial functioning.

Keywords:

• child adjustment
• family functioning
• lessons learned
• oncology
• parental cancer
• web-based intervention study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by the Swiss Cancer Research (KLS-2894-02-2012).