A psychosocial program for pediatric oncology patients: a pilot study of "the Beaded Journey"

There is a growing awareness of the importance of the emotional well-being of children with cancer and their families. The psychosocial team within a pediatric oncology setting strives to develop programs that may ease the psychological burden of cancer treatment. The Beaded Journey program is one example. The primary goal of this study was to systematically evaluate this program. Specifically, we were interested in parent and child perceptions of the value of the program. Thirty-nine families participated in a mail-out survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and qualitative techniques. Results indicate that the program is of value to families. Parents actually perceive it to be more valuable for themselves than for their children. Child age was moderately correlated with child value ratings. Parents reported that they expected that the Beaded Journey would be more valuable for their children when they were older.