Evaluation of a Support Group for Parents of Children Hospitalized for Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

ABSTARCT

Social isolation and high levels of psychosocial stress are common among parents of children who are hospitalized for cancer treatment. Many hospital-based programs offer support groups for parents, however there is little published guidance or systematic evidence on their effectiveness. This study describes the development and program evaluation of a 16-week parent support group offered to parents (N = 10) of children hospitalized for pediatric cancer or bone-marrow transplant. A summary of the pilot evaluation is provided and successes, barriers, and areas for future improvement are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Bone marrow transplant
• cancer
• child
• parents
• social support
• support group

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to sincerely thank the parents who participated in the support group at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and to the staff who collaborated with our team to deliver the group. The authors report no conflicts of interest and have no further disclosures

Funding

This research study was supported by an Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute fellowship to Dr. Nicole Racine. In kind support was provided by the Hematology, Oncology, and Transplant program.

Additional information

Funding

This research study was supported by an Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute fellowship to Dr. Nicole Racine. In kind support was provided by the Hematology, Oncology, and Transplant program.