Voices of Children with Cancer and Their Siblings in the Family Talk Intervention

Children in pediatric oncology report unmet needs related to communication and information about the illness, care involvement, and psychosocial support. Supporting the whole family involves challenges, with a risk that children's voices are not heard above those of the adults. Article 12 of the UNCRC has been a catalyst in supporting children's voices and their right to participate in processes that affect them. The aim of this study was to explore how children with cancer and their siblings experienced participation in a family-centered psychosocial support intervention, the Family Talk Intervention (FTI).

Interviews were held with 35 children (ill and siblings) from 26 families in pediatric oncology after having completed the FTI. A combined deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis was undertaken, guided by the Lundy model of child participation.

Children's experiences of being able to express their views, being listened to, and being involved during FTI were mainly positive. This was related to their participation in individual meetings where they could raise their concerns and views, undertake small activities while talking, and have their voices and needs mediated to relevant adults, such as parents and professionals.

The findings of this study showed that the FTI for families in pediatric oncology created opportunities to promote child participation. These findings indicate that, by offering children an individual space where they can express themselves freely and supporting them in various ways to do so, the children's voices and involvement are strengthened.