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Brief report: an intervention program for parents of pediatric cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
J E Hoekstra-Weebers1, F Heuvel, J P Jaspers
1Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. h.j.hoekstra@pi.net
Objective:
To evaluate a psychoeducational intervention program for parents of pediatric cancer patients, using cognitive and behavioral techniques.
Methods:
Parents were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 39) and a control condition (n = 42). Baseline assessment took place at diagnosis. Short-term effects were measured immediately after the intervention, long-term effects six months later. Control parents received standard care. Intervention parents received, in addition, a manual-guided program during the first six months following the diagnosis.
Results:
With time all parents became significantly less psychologically distressed. However, no between-group differences were noted in psychological functioning, satisfaction with support, and intensity of emotions immediately postintervention and six months later.
Conclusions:
Although the clinical evaluation of the intervention was positive, it appeared that a structured intervention program as described in this study was not any more effective than standard care.