Impact of a technology enhanced model of psychosocial care for children with cancer and their parents (eMaP)...Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), 26th Annual Congress, June 19-21, 2024, Brisbane, Queensland

Abstract

Introduction Families' access to psychosocial support at any time during their child's oncology treatment is often provided in the first three months post-diagnosis. However, evidence shows that these families experience psychosocial distress for extended time after diagnosis, which may not be identified. Objectives/Aims To explore the impact of a novel intervention including electronic psychosocial screening for parents of children (0-18 y/o) with cancer on parents' and children's psychological distress, quality of life and parents' needs of support. Description/Methodology In this single site, prospective cohort study, participants completed electronic surveys with demographic, cancer information and psychosocial measures, including the Distress Thermometer at baseline, T1 (4 weeks) and T2 (8 weeks). Families (parent and/or children) with high levels of distress (≥4) received additional assessment and support through a hospital social worker in coordination with psychology services. Parents/children with low levels of distress (<4) did not receive this additional support Results/Outcomes Out of 111 parents approached 57 (51%) accepted to participate in the study. Participant parents were 87% female and aged 30-49 years, with children with cancer diagnosed in the preceding 12-16 weeks. Levels of distress significantly decreased for both parents and children with baseline high levels of distress who received therapeutic care and increased for parents with initial low levels of distress (over the threshold of ≥4 at T2). The number of support needs for parents with initial high levels of distress, significantly decreased over time, halving at T2. A significant association between parents' needs of support, quality of life, and levels of distress was identified. Parent's quality of life significantly increased over time. Conclusion This study highlights the psychosocial benefits of eMap for parents and children with cancer who show high levels of distress 12 weeks post diagnosis and suggests that without this intervention, psychosocial outcomes may worsen over time.