Adapting and Pilot-Testing a Training Program on Parental Cancer for Educational Professionals

Children and adolescents confronted with parental cancer are highly vulnerable. During such a family crisis, the social environment and external institutions (e.g., kindergarten, school) can play a crucial role in providing stability and support. This study aims to adapt and pilot-test an existing training program on parental cancer for educational professionals.

This study is divided into three phases: (1) conducting qualitative interviews with parents with cancer, their children and educational professionals, (2) adapting an existing training program for healthcare professionals to the context of educational professionals, and (3) pilot-testing the training program using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Interview results indicate that school is an important place to provide normality and stability. Parents appreciated it when educational professionals took the initiative by offering conversations, support and practical help. The adaptation resulted in a 3-h training and was provided for n = 8 voluntary educational professionals. Preliminary results indicate that participants felt more knowledgeable, confident and empathic towards affected families after the training.

Preliminary findings indicate that the training is a feasible approach to enhance knowledge and self-confidence of educational professionals in dealing with families affected by parental cancer. To validate these findings from a small study sample, further research is needed.