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A Pilot Study of a Family Management Program for Parents of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Wachareekorn Aungkaprasatchai1, Nujjaree Chaimongkol2, Pornpat Hengudomsub2
1Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand.
Insights
This pilot study found a family management program (FMP) feasible for parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The FMP improved family management and quality of life for these parents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Family Health
- Psychosocial Support
Background:
- Children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) require intensive treatment, significantly impacting family dynamics and parental well-being.
- Effective family management is crucial for supporting children with ALL and their caregivers through the treatment journey.
- Existing family programs offer a framework for developing targeted interventions for parents of children with ALL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of implementing a Family Management Program (FMP) for parents of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- To evaluate the FMP's impact on family management and quality of life in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 11 parents of preschool-aged children with ALL at a tertiary hospital in Thailand.
- Participants underwent three FMP sessions over three weeks, based on established family program frameworks.
- Parental responses were measured using the Family Management Measure, Beach-Center Family Quality-of-Life Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, with data analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVA.
Main Results:
- The Family Management Program (FMP) demonstrated feasibility in supporting parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Significant improvements were observed in family management and quality of life for parents participating in the FMP.
- The intervention showed promising results in enhancing the psychosocial well-being of families navigating childhood ALL.
Conclusions:
- The Family Management Program (FMP) is a feasible and effective intervention for parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Implementing the FMP can enhance family management and improve the quality of life for parents and their children undergoing ALL treatment.
- Healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric oncology nurses, should be educated to replicate the FMP, focusing on parental education, family relationships, communication, and decision-making support.
Objectives:
The aim of this completed pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a family management program (FMP) for parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Data Sources:
A convenience sample of 11 parents of preschool-aged children with ALL were recruited from an ambulatory chemotherapy-care clinic at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Participants received three FMP sessions over 3 weeks. The FMP is based on two established family programs (ie, FMP-style framework and building on family strengths) and reviewed literature. The following measures were used to evaluate parents' responses at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up: Family Management Measure, Beach-Center Family Quality-of-Life Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Conclusion:
The study results provide promising evidence that the FMP is feasible and improves family management and quality of life for parents of enrolled children with ALL.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Educating pediatric oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals to replicate the FMP may help to provide better family management, and child quality of life support to future parents and other family members of young children diagnosed with ALL. This support should focus on educating parents about the potential effects of caring for a child with ALL on the family and fostering positive relationships within the family and offering guidance on effective family communications and decision-making processes.
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