Communication patterns in families affected by parental cancer from the healthy parents' perspective-process evaluation of the complex intervention Family-SCOUT

Within families affected by parental cancer, open communication impacts the well-being of parents and their children; however, limited research exists on communication patterns in these families. This sub-study addresses this through the Family-SCOUT study, a multicenter, prospective, interventional, and non-randomized investigation with intervention (IG) and control group (CG). The purpose of this sub-study was to identify and compare the differences in communication patterns between the IG and CG as part of the process evaluation. The research question was addressed in both groups: What communication patterns do healthy parents perceive within their families?

Using a qualitative approach, the study involved interviewing healthy parents as surrogates for their families. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a template analysis. The resulting data were analyzed at the group level.

Twenty-three interviews were conducted in the IG and 27 interviews in the CG. The analysis of themes centered on communication patterns as seen in the family structure. Both groups exhibited instances of open communication about fears and wishes as well as the use of child-friendly language when discussing cancer. Notable differences were observed: challenges in open communication with children were sorely reported in CG interviews, and "the illness is discussed when necessary" was sorely described in IG interviews.

This study underscores the need to address and encourage open communication within families with parental cancer.