Methods to support the families of the survivors

The analysis of the results from multiple research studies sheds light on the effectiveness and feasibility of psychosocial interventions aimed at supporting families dealing with childhood cancer. The review of psychosocial interventions for families of children with cancer reveals encouraging findings. Various approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), and educational-spiritual group sessions, demonstrate positive effects on reducing distress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among parents. These interventions also enhance cancer-related knowledge and improve Quality of Life (QoL) for parents. This underscores the significance of early and comprehensive psychosocial care for families grappling with pediatric cancer, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to cater to individual needs.

On the other hand, the feasibility study of the FAMOS intervention provides promising insights into its potential effectiveness. The intervention, designed to enhance family cohesion and well-being, shows encouraging results in terms of recruitment, retention, participation, and acceptability. With a participation rate of 62% and high satisfaction among participants, the intervention holds promise in effectively supporting families transitioning from intensive cancer treatment. The high retention rate and adherence to the intervention sessions further underscore its feasibility and acceptability among participants.

Both studies highlight the unique challenges faced by families dealing with childhood cancer and stress the importance of tailored approaches to address these challenges. The FAMOS intervention, with its structured and family-centered approach, aims to improve communication between family members, prevent long-term psychological effects, and strengthen family functioning. Similarly, the review emphasizes the need for integrating technology-based tools and computer-assisted methods to enhance communication and accessibility of support services for families.

However, further research is warranted to fully understand the efficacy and long-term outcomes of psychosocial interventions for families of children with cancer. Completion of a nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT) for the FAMOS intervention will provide valuable insights into its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. Additionally, future studies should address limitations such as the predominance of mothers in psychosocial intervention studies and ensure inclusivity and generalizability of findings.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the importance of psychosocial interventions in supporting families facing childhood cancer and highlights the potential of structured and family-centered approaches like FAMOS to improve the well-being and quality of life for families navigating the complexities of childhood cancer survivorship.

For more information

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/palliative-and-supportive-care/article/review-of-psychosocial-interventions-targeting-families-of-children-with-cancer/E9850222B14DEEBE9285C218BDDCCC13
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0284186X.2016.1269194
https://academic.oup.com/jpepsy/article/35/10/1116/867011#14999761
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/children-with-cancer/after-diagnosis/for-parents.html
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/taking-care-of-yourself
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/how-support-someone-with-cancer